5. Statement by the Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales: Future of Rail — Details of the new arrangements

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:09 pm on 3 November 2020.

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Photo of David Rowlands David Rowlands UKIP 5:09, 3 November 2020

Good afternoon, Dirprwy Lywydd, I'm afraid I didn't have the indication to unmute there.

Can I thank the Minister for your update today and for your statement? It is, of course, excellent news that you were able to put in place the interventions outlined, not only for those using the rail network, but also for those whose jobs are being secured by your actions. And can I assure the Minister today that my group are fully supportive of your interventions, and not only that, but we will support any representations you make to the UK Government to help finance the rail network in Wales going forward?

Despite your assurances, Minister, we have to be pragmatic about this, and there may be an interruption in the roll-out of the upgrade to the rail network previously envisaged. So, could you give us an idea as to which parts of those upgrades may be most impacted by the changes you've outlined today?

Now, you spoke with regard to the integrated ticket services, and these are fundamental to make sure that travel in Wales goes on both uninterrupted and as easily as possible. So, can you assure us again that you're using the private enterprises that you're taking over from, that you will be able to deliver on those integrated services?

I have to say that I really do believe that there was no other alternative for you than to take the actions that you've taken, and I applaud you on those actions. I'm sure it's the only way that we could have kept the travel services in Wales going forward.