Answers issued to Members on 19 December 2007
[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in
Welsh.
Contents
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Questions to the Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport
Nicholas Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister state what new rolling stock is now being employed on the line between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth and the Cambrian Coastline following budget agreements between the political parties in Wales during 2005-06 budget negotiations? (WAQ50815)
The Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport (Ieuan Wyn Jones):
Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) services on the Cambrian Railways use Class 158 units.
In June 2006, Welsh Assembly Government funded 2 additional Class 158 train sets to lengthen trains on the Cambrian Coast and Cambrian Mainline to relieve overcrowding.
The additional units are used to provide four car trains on 7 journeys per day between Aberystwyth and Birmingham. The Cambrian Coast Line now operates with two car Class 158 units.
Irene James (Islwyn): Will the Minister provide a statement on delays that have occurred in the opening of the Ebbw Valley Railway Line to Passengers? (WAQ50827)
The Deputy First Minister: I would refer you to my written cabinet statement of 12 December 2007.
Irene James (Islwyn): With regards to the Minister’s statement of 12 December, what is the new estimated opening date for the Ebbw Valley Line for passenger services? (WAQ50828)
The Deputy First Minister: Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council handed the new railway to Network Rail on 17 December 2007 to enable Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) to commence driver training on 18 December.
Network Rail, Capita Symonds and Amey are now working together urgently to identify and rectify any outstanding works to enable passenger services to start.
Until this is progressed further it is not possible to say when timetabled services can start for passengers but I continue to press all parties for an urgent resolution.