PRICE hikes on Arriva Trains Wales services in and out of Aberystwyth this month show that the UK Government “cares little for railways”, a Ceredigion passenger group has said.

Rail passengers travelling with Arriva Trains Wales have seen their ticket prices rise by 3.3 per cent from 2 January - just below the UK average rise of 3.4 per cent.

It is still the biggest rise in ticket prices in five years, sparking union protests at stations throughout the UK.

The chair of the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Passengers Assocation (SARPA) Jeff Smith, told the Cambrian News: “The recent price rises, which clearly outstrip most pay increases, are yet another sign that the Westminster government cares little for the railway. At the same time the Wales and Borders rail route, which serves six per cent of the UK population receives one per cent of the infrastructure investment. If some rail responsibilities are devolved to Cardiff, it will be vital for the Welsh Government to make serious improvements, including on the Cambrian line.

“SARPA want to see major infrastructure improvements, a full hourly service and more carriages, at a price that passengers can afford.”

Meanwhile, the CEO of Arriva Trains Wales has committed to making further improvements to the company’s performance on the Cambrian Line, after concerns were raised about the reliability of its service by Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George.

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