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Cambrian Railways On The Up And Up 22/12/2008

Celebrating the introduction of direct trains services to Birmingham International from the Cambrian network are (l – r) Cllr. Goronwy Edwards (Ceredigion County Council and Aberystwyth Town Council) Gerwyn Jones (Cambrian Railways Partnership) Nigel Owen (Aberystwyth University), Mick Bates (Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire), and Angus Eikhoff (Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Passenger Association).

Things are on the up and up it would seem for the Cambrian Railways.

Following the recent introduction of direct train services from the Cambrian network to Birmingham International Airport and the National Conference Centre as well as more Sunday services Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) have now announced that they’d like to run direct trains between Aberystwyth and London.

ATW is applying to Network Rail for the appropriate paths for a proposed service between Aberystwyth and London Marylebone with the award of the paths being subject to approval from the Office of Rail Regulation.

This service is being planned in conjunction with a request by Ieuan Wyn Jones, the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport at the Welsh Assembly Government to examine options for an hourly service on the Cambrian Main Line.

The proposals for London services that would commence from December 2009 include two daily direct services to and from Aberystwyth, restoring a link to Britain’s capital withdrawn by British Rail in 1991.

Through services would also be provided between London and the Cambrian Coast Line to Pwllheli on summer Saturdays.

Gerwyn Jones on behalf of the Cambrian Railways Partnership commented, "This is further exciting news for the residents of mid Wales and to the local economy as a direct train service to London would be a real boost in terms of attracting more tourists to the area and improving links in general with the wider world."

There now begins a consultation process involving rail industry and other stakeholders - as part of this those who wish to express a view on ATW’s plans, details of which are attached, should contact:
Chris Dellard
Track Access Manager
Arriva Trains Wales
St. Mary’s House
47 Penarth Road
Cardiff
CF10 5DJ
chris.dellard@arrivatw.co.uk
before the 23 of January 2009.

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