James Evans has voiced his concerns at Transport for Wales’ (TFW) plans to cut the amount of services on the Heart of Wales Line.

As part of the TfW Future Timetable Review, there are plans to reduce the number of services running through Llandrindod Wells from five to four per day, with the removal of two late evening services to Llandovery and Llandrindod also proposed from December 2024. 

There are concerns about how this may affect many people across Mid Wales who rely on this service to get to work and travel across the country.

Bus options are currently being explored, TfW has said.

TfW has completed its review following a change in rail travel demands post-Covid.  

The review was undertaken to ensure timetable commitments best meet the demands of customers and are fit for the needs of passengers.

As a result of the review some rail routes will see more services and longer trains with more seats, particularly during seasonal peaks.

But TfW says it has had to make some “tough decisions” to ensure it provides capacity where most needed, grows revenue and ultimately reduces public subsidy. 

Mr Evans said: “It’s a bitter blow to Mid Wales to have our train services reduced at a time where we should be looking to improve our transport network, not set it back.

“When TFW took over the running of this line, we were promised more investment and new rolling stock. Instead, we have seen this route become unreliable, with delays and cancellations to the service being a frequent occurrence.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director said: “We’ve completed our future timetable review. The proposed new timetables will provide us with more resilience in the winter period and meet changed travel demands post Covid. 

“Nearly every service that TfW operates requires public subsidy, and as a responsible operator it’s imperative for TfW to balance the needs for a regular, robust and reliable service with available budgets to deliver value for taxpayers and more sustainable transport."

You can find out more information about the timetable review and have your say online at: https://shorturl.at/doqN0