7. Will the Minister make a statement on the effect of recent changes to the train timetables on smaller stations? OAQ54951

The December timetable change was the biggest change to services for over three decades. This has benefited some rail users, whilst other services have unfortunately been affected. Transport for Wales has sought to introduce alternative measures where services have been affected, and are reviewing further timetable amendment possibilities as part of the May timetable change.

This is a case of a question being answered before I have an opportunity to ask it, but there are still some important issues that need to be discussed. A number of constituents contacted me following timetable changes disappointed that services to the smaller stations in Môn—Bodorgan, Rhosneigr, Valley and Llanfairpwll—had been reduced. Yes, we need swift services, but we also need to serve our communities too.

I am pleased that Transport for Wales has got back to me now, since I tabled this question, to say that there have been changes to timetables that meet some of the complaints that were made. Having said that, there are still a number of concerns about the availability of trains to smaller stations at the end of the school day and so on. Transport for Wales have admitted to me, ‘No, we perhaps didn’t consult sufficiently with the communities in making these decisions’, and I think the other concerns about trains at the end of the day is another example of something that could have been flagged up had there been proper consultation undertaken. Does the Minister agree with me that we must have a commitment to very careful consultation with communities in terms of how proposed changes are going to impact them?

Yes, I'd very much agree with the Member, and the issue of proper consultation is something that I've raised with Transport for Wales as we approach the May timetable change. I think it's essential that stakeholder groups, that communities, are informed well in advance of proposed changes so that they can have some input into whether those changes are beneficial or otherwise. There is a contractual obligation, of course, in place to ensure that no stations receive fewer services than was the case when the franchise was let, and that is something that must be upheld, and it's the reason why Transport for Wales have been working to determine alternative services up until May, when those services that were withdrawn from some of the smaller stations can be addressed.

And, finally, question 8—Neil Hamilton.