More delays to new trains on the Cambrian Railway

New trains due on the Cambrian Railway have been delayed yet again, bringing more frustration for fed-up Welshpool rail users.

It has emerged that the new rolling stock, originally due at the end of 2023 and then delayed until this year, will not be commissioned until at least the end of 2025.

Montgomeryshire's Senedd Member, Russell George, said he was very disappointed at being given the news.

"Sadly, the rail service we receive in Montgomeryshire continues to be poor with trains regularly being cancelled, delayed, or overcrowded. I have been continually raising concerns about the performance of Transport for Wales on the Cambrian Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury line and have been seeking assurances over commitments made by Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government," he said.

"A new fleet of trains is being built for the Cambrian Line to run on the unique signalling system. Unfortunately, there have been delays, and I am told this is due to problems with the supply of components compatible with the signalling system.

"During a meeting I had with the CEO of Transport for Wales, I was told that disappointingly the new rolling stock (train carriages) on the Cambrian Line had been delayed yet again. I was originally told the new stock would be coming online towards the end of 2023, that was delayed until Winter 2024 and I have been told because of delays with the supply of the carriages to TfW the new stock will not be available until the latter part of 2025."

He added: "This is very disappointing when the new stock is already being used on the lines in other parts of Wales.  I am assured these trains will deliver increased capacity for passengers and will also run with faster acceleration, allowing services to meet the timetable more reliably.

"I continue to raise the frustration of this poor service and seek assurances that the new trains will indeed deliver a better service for us locally and I will continue to press upon Transport for Wales to introduce these new trains as soon as they possibly can."

He added that since the tragic train collission at Talerddig, there had been more overcrowding and delayed trains.

He said: "I continue to raise these issues with Transport for Wales and have also raised in the Senedd Chamber with the new First Minister."