AN increase in rail passengers using the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury line should see more carriages introduced, Ceredigion’s Assembly Member has said.

Elin Jones welcomed figures which showed that passenger numbers have increased by 30 per cent since the hourly service was introduced on the line in May 2015.

Ms Jones said it showed that the campaign for the hourly service was vital and said she hoped there would now be further improvements for passengers.

Following a meeting with Arriva Trains Wales managers, Ms Jones said: “I’m pleased that calls for the new and much needed hourly service has been a success, and there has been a significant growth in the number of passengers.

“The campaigners who called for this service will also be pleased.

“I’ve now asked Arriva to improve the service further by increasing the number of carriages to minimise the number of cancelled trains.

“It was disappointing to hear that if trains are now cancelled then they are not replaced by bus, but rather passengers have to wait for the next train.

“I have asked Arriva to review this decision, in order to maintain a true hourly service.”

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