[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Campaigners calling for a north-bound Machynlleth train to stop at all stations on request have received positive news from the Welsh Government.
Dubbed the ‘ghost train’, the 19:57 Arriva Train Wales service from Barmouth to Pwllheli only stops at Harlech, Porthmadog and Criccieth, with request stops at Abererch and Penychain. Campaigners say the evening train should also stop at Talybont, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Llanbedr, Pensarn, Llandanwg, Ty Gwyn, Talsarnau and Penrhyndeudraeth, like services earlier and later in the day.
Assembly Member Joyce Watson last month received a 384-signature petition from Harlech resident Rosy Berry. It calls on Arriva Trains Wales to upgrade the evening service to an all-station-stop journey. In Cardiff Bay, the Labour Mid and West AM passed the document to the chair of the Assembly’s Petitions Committee, Mike Hedges.
Mrs Watson also took up the cause with Arriva Trains Wales and the transport minister. Here is the reply from Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure:
On receiving the Welsh Government update, Rosy Berry said:
“The communities of Ardudwy are delighted to hear that progress is being made with the ‘ghost train’.
“We are extremely grateful to AM Joyce Watson and her staff for taking this matter forward, as the mid evening train is a vital service currently not available to the residents of Tal y Bont, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Llanbedr, Pensarn, Llandanwg, Tygwyn, Talsarnau, Llandecwn and Penrhyndeudraeth. It is good to know that the voices of the smaller communities are being heard”.
Joyce Watson AM said:
“It is unfair that the service, running at a sociable time, leaves so many residents and communities stranded. This is a positive development – it is thanks to the determination of campaigners like Rosy Berry and Graham Hogg. I will continue to lobby Arriva and Welsh Government for a satisfactory outcome.”
The campaign is also backed by former Shadow Secretary of State for Wales Nia Griffith MP. Commenting on Facebook, she said:
“Where is it going in such a hurry that it cannot stop at all stations? Real waste of resources – Arriva running trains in rural Wales which do not stop at every station.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
