Plaid Cymru supports public ownership of the railway, and so we will
continue to seek full and unrestricted control over the awarding of future rail
franchises. In the meantime, under the current Westminster legislation, we will
investigate alternative models for the next Welsh franchise that deliver as
much public control as possible.
The Party of Wales will ensure that dividends and profits are reinvested
and redistributed back into Welsh rail services through the most appropriate
model that can be implemented. Plaid will work to protect all current routes
which start or terminate in Wales as part of the Welsh franchise area.
Transport for Wales will specify and procure a rail franchise that the public
can be proud of.
The rail operator we establish through this process will:
- provide capacity for expected growth in passenger numbers
- benefit from profits and surpluses being reinvested back into the railway
- adopt one national visual brand
- integrate with bus service timetables, with community rail, the new proposed light rail networks and with active travel (walking and cycling)
- introduce measures to make rail fares more affordable, including a simplified fare structure with the option of an annual fee, paid via the National Smart Card, to cover all journeys throughout Wales
- have passenger and workforce representatives in its governance structure
- have a duty to improve communication with passengers through social media and station announcements.
At present, rail infrastructure is
currently reserved to Westminster, but a Plaid Cymru Government would actively work
towards changing this and would aim to electrify all major rail lines by 2034.
We will complete the planned electrification of the South Wales Valley Lines.
The next line to be electrified should be the North Wales Coast Line.
Plaid will identify locations for new
stations across the network. and will continue to invest in developing existing rail
stations as hubs for wider commercial development and urban regeneration, including
retail and co-working/office space.
The Party of Wales will also look to
re-open railway lines across Wales to create new links between communities. As part of this Plaid will commission a full feasibility study on the
re-opening of the Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line together with a second phase
linking Bangor, Caernarfon and Afon Wen near Pwllheli. Other potential lines
such as Gaerwen to Amlwch, and the Amman Valley to Swansea will be studied for
viability. A full report will be prepared on railway re-openings and new lines,
setting the tone for a long-term expansion of the Welsh railway,
We need the urgent development of a South-East Metro, which will be sympathetic
to existing communities. The aim of the Metro is to simplify travel across the
region and provide regeneration in some of Wales’ most underdeveloped
communities. We will work with local authorities and business to ensure that
jobs are created in Valleys communities and that commuting can go in both
directions. We want to see a similarly innovative and integrated transport
system for the Swansea city region, and for north Wales and will publish these
proposals within a year of assuming office.
A prioritised number of rail schemes will be included in the new National Transport Plan that we will consult upon and publish in our first year of government. Plaid Cymru will produce an exciting vision of a Welsh National Railway service, uniting the nation, north and south, country and city, community-to-community.
A prioritised number of rail schemes will be included in the new National Transport Plan that we will consult upon and publish in our first year of government. Plaid Cymru will produce an exciting vision of a Welsh National Railway service, uniting the nation, north and south, country and city, community-to-community.
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