THE Wales and Borders rail franchise - which runs trains running through north Shropshire - has been taken into public ownership by the Welsh Government. As of Sunday 7th February 2021, Transport for Wales operates Wales and Borders services under a subsidiary; Transport for Wales Ltd. The plan to take the franchise into public ownership was announced in February in the face of a significant drop in passenger numbers, and, the Welsh Government has said, is intended to provide financial stability and protect jobs and ensure infrastructure improvements go ahead. The franchise operates Shrewsbury station, and runs services through Whitchurch towards Manchester and through Gobowen towards Wrexham.
Ken Skates, minister for economy, transport and North Wales said: “Our rail service is a critical asset and one we must protect. Since the pandemic began we’ve provided significant financial support to keep trains running. The need for greater public control is a reflection of the ongoing pressures of coronavirus and the challenges being faced across the rail industry as passenger demand remains low. We remain determined to deliver key commitments made at the start of the journey with Transport for Wales, including the creation of Metro systems and the delivery of brand new rolling stock. Bringing the rail franchise into public control will help secure this better future for passengers. It is a public transport asset, in public ownership, for the public good.”
Lee Waters, deputy minister for economy and transport, said: “The railway is an integral part of Wales’ transport network and we want it to be of even more importance in the future. Tackling the climate emergency means we need to make it easier for people to step out of their cars and walk, cycle and use public transport instead. Transport for Wales will be working across all of these areas as part of our efforts to create an integrated, more convenient transport system. The action we have taken to bring the franchise into public ownership will help make this ambition a reality for passengers.”
James Price, chief executive of Transport for Wales said: “Covid-19 has presented many challenges for us at TfW and these will continue as we evolve as an organisation. However, we’ve been able to remain resilient and our main priority during these testing times has been to keep our customers and colleagues safe. This next step on our journey will ensure that we continue to provide passenger rail services across our network, protect jobs and deliver our ambitious plans to improve the transport network. At the start of January, we successfully completed a three-week blockade on the railway lines north of Radyr, allowing us to move forward with the next phase of works for the South Wales Metro. We’re continuing to deliver our transformational plans and this new model will allow us to achieve our vision and improve the lives of people across Wales and the Borders.”