Local MSs have quizzed the Welsh Government on what it is doing to improve rail services in rural communities.

Jane Dodds, Mid and West Wales MS and James Evans, Brecon and Radnorshire MS both spoke on the issue at the Senedd this week.

Ms Dodds said that Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, had previously acknowledged the need to drive up passenger numbers on the Heart of Wales line.

But she said there is still a perpetuating cycle of declining usage, with services becoming increasingly impractical and unappealing.

Ms Dodds said: “Local stakeholders, such as the Heart of Wales Line Travellers' Association, have criticised the proposed new timetable from Transport for Wales, saying that it will make it nearly impossible for individuals to commute or have reasonable travel times.

“With just three tourist-friendly weekday trains, the timetable also fails to capitalise on the line's significant potential for attracting visitors and promoting sustainable tourism.

“The association highlights two consultant reports that have found the need for at least one train every two hours for the line to operate optimally.”

Ms Dodds asked Mr Skates what talks he has had with Transport for Wales to procure new modern trains and address reliability issues to revitalise the Heart of Wales line.

Mr Skates said the Government has invested £800 million in new trains that are starting to operate across Wales.

He said: “As the new trains have entered service, reliability and performance have improved.

“We will continue to build on this progress, as well as better aligning our timetables with changing post-Covid travel patterns of our passengers.”

James Evans said he raised his concerns about the changes to the Heart of Wales line in April but hadn’t had opportunity to meet with Mr Skates since to discuss this.

He told Mr Skates: “I'm interested to know what steps have been taken by you to address the concerns that have been raised by people on the reduced services on the Heart of Wales line. And can you actually confirm today whether you do take this issue seriously, or is this actually just some warm words and PR spin from the Government?

“Because the people who live in my constituency want to see these services reintroduced, and they don't just need warm words from the Welsh Government; they actually need action.”

Mr Skates said he regretted he hadn’t had the opportunity to meet with Mr Evans, although said he had met with residents and with the user group.

He said: “There was an event that took place on the Heart of Wales line. I met with many organisations, including TfW, including rail managers and Network Rail. This issue was raised by a number of people, and so I've spoken with Transport for Wales about the need to address the concerns that were raised and the need to provide high-quality bus services, as I said to Jane Dodds, in the short term, at the very least.

“But I would still welcome an opportunity to speak about this matter with James Evans in person.”

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. 

Since the announcement last month, 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.

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