Written question WQ99586
- Asked by
- Dan ThomasReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
What consideration has the Cabinet Minister given to whether Transport for Wales should be integrated into Great British Rail when it becomes fully operational?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport (Mark Hooper)
Transport for Wales is a public body accountable to Welsh Ministers and there are no plans to integrate it into Great British Railways.
The Welsh Government’s policy is to secure a clear pathway to the full devolution of rail powers and funding to Wales, ensuring that decisions about rail services and infrastructure are made in Wales, for the people of Wales. In that context, Transport for Wales will remain central to delivering Welsh Ministers’ priorities and accountability to the Senedd.
At the same time, the Welsh Government is committed to working constructively with the UK Government and Great British Railways to maximise the benefits of rail reform for passengers. A strong partnership between Transport for Wales and Great British Railways will support closer integration of track and train, more joined‑up planning, and improved reliability and service quality across Wales and the Borders.
Transport for Wales has already demonstrated, through the successful delivery of the Core Valley Lines transformation, that Wales can own, manage and deliver major rail infrastructure, providing a strong foundation for further devolution and improved services for passengers.