Rocky start for new Welsh borders train provider
Passengers have hit out after a turbulent start for the new providers of the Wales and Borders rail services.
French-Spanish joint venture KeolisAmey has taken over the franchise from Arriva Trains Wales.
Its first weekend was blighted by Storm Callum, which caused a string of cancellations leading to bus replacement services, as well as problems with the Welsh language online service.
Some passengers reported delays of up to an hour, with others taking to social media about just two carriages being supplied for a packed train to Birmingham on Sunday.
However despite a disrupted opening weekend, First Minister for Wales Carwyn Jones is optimistic the new provider will be an improvement to the service.
He said: "Over the next five years people will see a real difference in quality and frequency.
"People will see the ramp up of services but it won't happen overnight.
"There's room for optimism because for 15 years there was no sign of anything changing."
The new structure is the first time the Welsh Government has had control over the £5 billion franchise, which will be overseen by Transport for Wales.
Mr Jones added: "The difference is we control it as Welsh Government. Now we can ensure services are better over the next 15 years.
"Of course, if things go wrong, we'll be in the firing line."
Pledge
The new providers have promised to replace all trains at a cost of £800 million, and to have 95 per cent of journeys on new trains within five years.
KeolisAmey has also pledged over £700 million to electrify the South Wales valleys lines, add more services and launch the new South Wales Metro over the next 15 years.
