DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER APPEARED TO BE TOTALLY UNAWARE OF INCREASED TRAIN SERVICE TRIAL  

22.3.2011 

William Graham – Shadow Minister for Regeneration questioned the Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy & Transport (during Plenary today) on promoting the trial of additional trains stopping a Chepstow rail station. 

“I was stunned by the Deputy First Minister’s reply. There have been many well supported campaigns for improved services linking to the West Country and the Midlands by rail passengers in South East Monmouthshire; yet he appeared to be totally unaware of the trail commencing on 24 May”. 

“An additional 14 trains a day will stop at Chepstow station. I asked how the Assembly will work with passengers and businesses in this area, to ensure that these additional trains will be retained on future time tables”. 

“It is vital that we maximise the use of our rail services, therefore this increased service should gain the widest promotion from the National Assembly”. 

“The Deputy First Minister stumbled through enhancements to the rail network across South Wales; then asked me to provide details of the trial for him to raise with the train operator. I will ensure that his commitment in this matter is fully realised”.