Plaid Cymru Senedd member blasts train stations’ pandemic closures

A Plaid Cymru Senedd member has blasted Transport for Wales for the temporary closure of two train stations during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rhun ap Iorwerth, who represents Ynys Môn, said he was “astounded” that no “solution could be found” after the Valley and Llanfairpwll stations were shut down for more than a year.

He made the comments following a meeting with Transport for Wales (TfW) Chief Executive James Price to discuss the issue, as well as the problem of overcrowded trains on the rail line in the north of Wales.

Transport for Wales told the Ynys Môn MS that they were still looking for a solution to this issue of the closed stations, 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.

To tackle the issue of overcrowding on trains, TfW have said they are looking at options they believe would help, such as volunteer guards to walk down the train.

‘No solution’ 

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.”

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.”