Ynys Môn MS Rhun ap Iorwerth has met with Transport for Wales’ Chief Executive to discuss two issues that several constituents have raised with him and that continues to be a matter of frustration for Rhun – the temporary closure of Valley and Llanfairpwll stations during the pandemic and the issue of overcrowded trains on the north Wales line.

Rhun expressed his disappointment that both Valley and Llanfairpwll stations have been closed since the beginning of the pandemic.  Transport for Wales told the Ynys Môn MS that they were still looking for a solution to this issue, including improved PPE and training for guards.  In the meantime, they have made a ‘call a cab’ option available for passengers who wish to travel from these stations to the nearest station to board train services.

Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “I am astounded that in more than a year, no solution could be found that kept staff safe but that also allowed the service to do what it’s there to do, which is to pick passengers up and drop them off at stations!”

Another issue that a number of constituents had contacted Rhun about was the overcrowding of trains on the north Wales line.  TfW told him that they were looking at options that would help such as volunteer guards to walk down the train.

Speaking after the meeting, Rhun said: “Even though they said that compliance in terms of mask wearing etc has been quite good, they agreed with me that there needed to be better messaging, especially after the UK Government’s announcement this week and the confusion that may cause for travellers travelling between England and Wales.  They also told us that new trains are being used for driver training at the moment, and once they’re available, that should be a boost for the service.”

“I will continue to press for these changes and I appreciate all of those who have been in touch with me to share their recent experiences on the trains.”