Burnham Tackles Welsh Train Troubles

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Sep 2006

Eleanor Burnham AM today met with Arriva Trains bosses to lobby them on the problems faced by commuters and passengers using trains throughout Wales.

Ms Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, challenged Arriva Trains Wales Managing Director Bob Holland and Head of Franchise Mike Hurley over ongoing problems with basic cleanliness and shabby interiors of existing rolling stock, as well as tackling them over the provision of a new fast route service between North and South Wales.

Ms Burnham said: "I am still receiving complaints from members of my constituency that prove that the train services currently on offer in areas of North Wales aren't up to scratch and today I have raised the problems passengers are facing every day directly with Arriva bosses.

"As a regular commuter between Wrexham and Cardiff, one of the biggest concerns I have is why North Wales services continue to be lumbered with shambolic rolling stock.

"I understand that limited funding means we rail passengers may have to use older carriages, but there is never any excuse for dirty furnishings and broken toilets. Many long haul journeys do not even have refreshment trolleys on an evening and when you've been travelling for 4 hours that is unacceptable.

"At our meeting today, Bob Holland agreed to join me on my regular route from Cardiff to Wrexham so that he can see for himself the difficulties facing his passengers every day."

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