Hourly train service between Shropshire and Mid Wales as early as next year
An hourly train service between Shropshire and Mid Wales could be launched as early as next year, an MP claimed today.
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said he met Arriva Trains Wales bosses in Westminster to push for a quicker implementation of an hourly service between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth.
Campaigners have been fighting for the service for 20 years and Mr Davies said he believes the move will have a massive impact on tourism and business in Mid Wales.
He said: "I have been discussing the need for an hourly service on the Cambrian line for decades with various bodies and organisations.
"Over recent years, greater customer demand on the line has made the need for a more frequent service a more pressing priority.
"Investment in infrastructure works needed to accommodate an hourly service has been completed and the Welsh Government is now contemplating changes to Arriva Trains Wales' franchise which would allow the service to be implemented.
"An hourly service between Aberystwyth and Birmingham would be a major boost to the people of Mid Wales and I am optimistic that it will be a reality by 2015."
The trains would pass from Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury, stopping at both Newtown and Welshpool en route.
