Welsh Government sets aside up to £65m to keep train services running

An ‘Emergency Measures Agreement’ has been approved to help Transport for Wales Rail Services cope with the ongoing effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

It follows an initial short-term agreement confirmed in March 2020 worth £40 million, taking the total cost to a maximum of £105 million (subject to levels of passenger revenue).

The use of public transport is approximately 95 per cent less than the same period in 2019, as people have followed advice to stay home and to stay local. Season ticket refunds and social distancing requirements will also have an effect on train companies’ revenue.

During coronavirus restrictions, Transport for Wales (TfW) has helped key workers travel to work, and ensured NHS workers can travel for free. The Welsh Government recently published guidance for operators and guidance for the public in using public transport safely.

Lee Waters, Deputy Transport Minister, said: “In order to save lives we have asked that people only travel when necessary. This has been vital to the health of our nation, and it is only right that we proceed cautiously before encouraging higher levels of passenger numbers on public transport. We therefore need to take action to ensure we have an effective rail network in the long-term. Our funding will help our rail service cope with the inevitable revenue loss resulting from coronavirus.”

Lee continued: “In the long-term this will ensure key infrastructure projects such as Metro systems can be delivered. More immediately, it will also mean our rail network can continue enabling essential travel and helping key workers get to work, including free travel for NHS staff. We will continue to work towards achieving the strongest possible rail network in the long-term, as part of our wider transport system.”