Group campaigns for better Shropshire/Mid Wales train service

The Shrewsbury Aberystwyth Rail Liaison Committee will hold drop-in events and quiz passengers on the Cambrian Line about what changes they would like to see.

Nine new services were introduced in May to provide an hourly service in the week between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth, calling at Welshpool and Newtown.

Now, Councillor Trevor Roberts, vice chairman of the group, said he wants to find out what should be tackled next.

He said: "The Welsh Government responded in our favour following the surveys conducted two years ago by introducing nine additional services in our rail timetable.

"Now we're looking to see what impact and benefits these additional services have brought to us.

"We want to find out how the new-look timetables are benefitting us, and how further developments to scheduled trains, stations and infrastructure could further enhance and improve our usage of this important resource.

"This is why during October we'll be conducting short surveys on a number of trains, and also inviting all users to attend focus groups dotted around the major towns of the Cambrian Lines."

The focus groups are scheduled for the end of September through to early October and will be short open-floor sessions where those attending will be given the opportunity to air their views about how the service could be improved further.

Councillor Roberts added: "Responses from both the surveys and the focus groups will be presented to the minister before the end of this year during what is a very important time for future rail developments in Wales during which the current and next rail franchise agreement specification will be prepared."

Earlier this month, the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth Rail Passengers Association said more carriages, free Wi-Fi and better timetables are among the improvements it is seeking when the line's franchise is up for renewal in 2018. It also wants former stations to be reopened.

The franchise is currently held by Arriva Trains Wales, but members of Sarpa say they want a new Wales and Borders franchise to improve the service. Councillor Michael Williams, who sits on Sarpa, said: "The changeover of the franchise in 2018 provides a real opportunity to influence and secure long-term improvements on the line."

The focus group sessions will be at Welshpool Town Hall on September 28 at 7.30pm; The Elephant and Castle Hotel, Newtown, on October 5 at 7.30pm; and Caersws Village Hall at 7.30pm on October 12.