Jane Dodds MS says more investment is needed in the Heart of Wales line
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00:00I just wanted to raise an issue, if I may, with you around the Heart of Wales line, and
00:03a further statement, please, from the Minister for Transport in North Wales.
00:08The Heart of Wales line has just had a fifth train taken from the timetableóthatÃs four
00:14trains a day in each direction, going from Craven Arms and Shrewsbury down to Llanelli,
00:21going through such wonderful places as Llandrindodwels, Llanwrtydwels, Llandailo, Llandyfri, et ceteraó26
00:28stations in total.
00:30It provides a real transport option for those communities living on the Heart of Wales line,
00:36but also an opportunity to boost tourism and visitors to the area.
00:40So, I would like a further statement, if I may, from the Minister, and I wondered if
00:46you could pass on an invitation to the Minister to join me and perhaps others who are within
00:52that region, to come and join us on a journey through the 26 stations, just to pick up
00:59exactly how beloved that line is and how much further investment we need in it.
01:06Diolch yn fawr iawn.
01:07Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Transport and Islands
01:08Talking about Jane Doddson, IÃm sure youÃll have volunteers to go on that journey on that
01:12wonderful Heart of Wales line.
01:16I think there are issues in terms of timetable changes for mainline services that are taking
01:24place, more consistency for passengers, but, of course, weÃve heard already this afternoon
01:32being reminded of the £800 million investment in our brand-new fleet of modern trains.
01:39But I think whatÃs important is that passengers on the Heart of Wales line will benefit from
01:45the conversion of the class 153 active travel units, which will provide additional seating
01:50and cycle capacity.
01:53It is important that, overall, in 2024, Transport for Wales services were the most punctual
01:59and reliable of all train operators in Wales, but thereÃs still more to do, quite clearly.
02:07Huge improvements as a direct result of public ownership and investment.
02:12It is important that youÃve drawn attention today to the Heart of Wales line route capacity
02:18and the service itself.
02:23I think this is something where IÃm sure colleagues in terms of our Cabinet Secretary
02:30will be interested in the question, but also see that this is a partnership with Powys
02:36County Council as well, in terms of integrated public transport services, which I know discussions
02:42are taking place.