BRITAIN’s transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, and Ken Skates, cabinet secretary for transport and north Wales in the Welsh government, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) setting out how they will work more closely together under the future Great British Railways (GBR).
The two governments say that the agreement highlights their commitment to deliver “a simpler, better and more integrated railway” for Wales under GBR.
This new public body is due to come into being next year, reuniting infrastructure management with passenger operations. Regional passenger services in Wales are currently operated by Transport for Wales (TfW) which reports to the Welsh government.
GBR and TfW will plan services together, reflecting what are expected to be clearer priorities established by the British and Welsh governments. Passenger services will be planned in closer coordination with infrastructure development under the new GBR structure.
The governments say they will work together more closely to meet the needs of passengers in Wales in areas such as service performance, reliability and local connectivity. Decisions affecting passengers will be made with local input, in order to resolve issues more quicky and with a better understanding of community needs.
TfW and GBR will work to improve connections between rail, bus and other modes, making end-to-end journeys simpler. The MoU includes a commitment to ensuring that passenger information is provided in both English and Welsh.
Agreement with Scotland
Separately, Alexander has agreed with the Scottish government a framework for an MoU that will set out how the two administrations will work together under GBR.
Under the proposed MoU, devolved responsibilities will remain fully protected. The Scottish government will retain control over infrastructure funding, as well as responsibility for the specification and provision of passenger services operated by ScotRail.
At the same time, system‑wide coordination will be improved to deliver what the British government says will be a more passenger-focused railway under GBR. With clearly defined responsibilities and governance, GBR will work closely with Transport Scotland to deliver improvements “focused on the things people value most,” such as improving train punctuality.
“By placing decision-making at the heart of rail in Scotland we will ensure services and investment are better tailored to Scottish passenger and freight customer priorities,” Alexander says.
