RAIL users are being urged to have their say on train services before the Welsh Government awards the Wales and Borders franchise to one of four bidders.

Neil Hamilton, UKIP group leader in the Assembly and AM for Mid and West Wales, is calling on the public to take part in a survey to ensure that they get the services they want.

He said: “It is vital that regular rail users, the most important people in all this, are given the opportunity to make their views known.

“I urge anyone interested in the future of the rail services from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and along the coast, to take part in the survey or attend a focus group meeting to find out more.

“The Welsh Government now has the power to specify the terms and conditions of the Welsh rail franchise and is responsible for selecting the next operator for the Wales and Borders franchise when it expires in 2018.

“We must make sure that every opinion is taken on board and, most importantly, the views of the passengers who travel on these lines are acted upon.”

Four companies have been shortlisted for the franchise, including Arriva Trains Wales, which has run the line for the past 10 years. The other bidders are Abellio Rail Cymru, KeolisAmey and MTR Corporation.

The focus group meetings have been held in Welshpool and Aberystwyth. Future meetings planned include a meeting at Newtown on Monday, 24 April, 7pm to 8pm at the Elephant and Castle. And at Caersws on Monday, 22 May, 7pm to 8pm, at the Village Hall. Other dates are to be confirmed.

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