Welsh Conservatives have criticised the chaos on local rail services after Transport for Wales took over from Arriva Trains Wales last month.
In response to South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies, Transport Minister Ken Skates, declined the opportunity to apologise and also refused to answer why additional trains promised back in July 2017 by the Welsh Government had yet to materialise.
The Cabinet Secretary also refused to deny that over half of Wales’ rolling train stock is currently out of action during a topical question at the National Assembly. This week, TfW took out newspaper advertisements apologising for the services.
Claiming the service is a ‘shambles’, South Wales Central, Andrew RT Davies AM, said, “This is another shambles from the Welsh Labour Government and it’s appalling that the Transport Secretary couldn’t muster one apologetic word to commuters across South Wales who’ve had to endure this chaos.
“Confidence in the Welsh Labour Government’s ability to deliver on transport and infrastructure is reaching an all-time low and his failure to apologise or answer straightforward questions this afternoon speaks volumes.
“Passengers are still waiting for new trains promised some 16 months ago and ahead of what could be a testing winter period, the lack of answers from the Cabinet Secretary indicates further chaos can be expected on the rail network.
“This is clearly a very difficult start for Transport for Wales and whilst immediate improvements were always unlikely, the fact the day-to-day management of services is deteriorating does not bode well for future promises.”