Improved train services on way for Shropshire passengers after takeover

The new operators of the rail services, KeolisAmey, has promised to spend £800 million on new trains and to increase capacity by two thirds.

Improvements include introducing seven extra train services from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth as well as a new Liverpool to Cardiff service via Wrexham General and Shrewsbury by 2022.

A new station will also open at Bow Street in Aberystwyth in March 2020.

France's Keolis and Spanish-owned Amey have paid £5 billion to take over services currently run by Arriva Trains Wales.

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.

KeolisAmey said 95 per cent of journeys will be on the new trains within five years.

It also announced four new Cardiff light rail stations as part of the South Wales Metro.

An extra 600 staff will also be recruited, the company said.

The French-Spanish joint venture will take over operations from Arriva Trains Wales for the next 15 years from October.

New trains and light rail cars will be in red and black colours – and carry Transport for Wales (TfW) branding, not company logos.

First Minister Carwyn Jones called it a "landmark moment in the future development of Wales".

"People said they wanted affordable fares and newer, cleaner trains and we have worked hard to ensure this is reflected in what we are launching today," he said,

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns added: "It is important that future investment provides visible and practical improvements to the rail travel experience on a franchise with the potential to grow transport links between England and Wales."

Alistair Gordon, chief executive of Keolis UK, said: "For too long the railways in Wales have suffered from under investment and, while the changes we need to make will take time, we are creating a platform for future economic growth and prosperity that will benefit all of Wales now and for generations to come.

"In five years' time, the railway will be unrecognisable from what it is today thanks to the vision of the Welsh Government. We can't wait to get started."

Andy Milner, Amey's chief executive, said: "This is a great opportunity for us to use our joint capabilities to deliver a first-rate service for Wales and its communities. As well as creating new jobs and apprenticeship opportunities, we will be focused on upgrading the existing infrastructure and introducing new trains to significantly improve the passenger experience.

"We are looking forward to working with Transport for Wales in a partnership which will see the full replacement of all trains, and major upgrades.

"We are also looking forward to working with the very proud and dedicated men and women running the railway in Wales today, who will join us on this exciting journey."