Rail journeys to be 'transformed' after takeover
Train passengers in Shropshire were today promised “transformed services” after routes were handed to a joint venture between firms in France and Spain.
And they say they aim to “significantly improve the passenger experience”.
The routes through Shropshire include the Shrewsbury to Chester, Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Cardiff to Shrewsbury lines.
Services also connect the county to Wolverhampton and Birmingham International, via Telford.
German-based Arriva announced last year it was to end its contract.
Keolis/Amey already runs Greater Manchester Metrolink and London’s Docklands Light Railway, among others. It beat Hong Kong-based MTR for the right to run the services for the next 15 years, starting on June 4.
Full details of its plans for services in Shropshire and Wales will not be revealed until next month.
Andy Milner, Amey’s chief executive, said: “While the proposed changes won’t happen overnight, the railway will be unrecognisable in five years thanks to the vision of the Welsh Government.”
He added they would focus on working with the government to transform the existing infrastructure and introduce new trains to “significantly improve the passenger experience” as well as creating hundreds of new jobs and apprenticeships.
Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said it would be a transformative new rail service and see it combine its worldwide expertise in passenger operations with Amey’s “engineering excellence”.
A statement by the Welsh Government, which awarded the contract, said: “Final tenders were received from three companies in December 2017.
“One of those tenders was subsequently withdrawn and the two remaining bids were evaluated, with each bid being assessed for its quality, robustness and ability to deliver.
“Throughout the procurement process we have prioritised investment in the quality of trains, stations and services.”
Welsh economy secretary Ken Skates said: “We have prioritised investment in the quality of trains, stations and services for the Wales and Borders Rail Service and South Wales Metro.
“We are grateful to all those who have participated in the procurement process.”
He said no further comment would be made until the end of the 10-day standstill period.
