There's a strong sense of irony in the Wasting Mule reporting that
People using Transport for Wales trains say they’re getting covered in fresh paint
Passengers using Transport for Wales services aren't having a great time of it at the moment.And now, passengers have reported being left covered in a turquoise paint after holding onto headrests on various services across a number of different dates.One passenger, Rhiannon Williams, said she got on at Taffs Well and got off at Cardiff Central on Friday but left with her hands and coat covered in paint.Her tweets read:
"On my way to work this morning on a packed train, I had no choice like many, to hold onto the top of the seats. It was sticky, and when I looked, the paint had come off all over my hand and onto the sleeve of my new coat. I'd like to know your comments please."She continued: "I've washed my hands several times and still have paint that won't come off."The paint has now come off her hands, but not her coat, which was also stained, she says
Colin Lea, customer experience director for Transport for Wales rail services, said:
“We are concerned to hear of a problem raised and we would like to apologise to any customers affected.
“This is being investigated. Anyone who has been affected should contact our customer relations team who will prioritise these cases.”They have asked any affected customers to log them online.
This comes as Rail passengers will face r disruption with services all across Wales affected.
A third of services are now not running, according to Transport for Wales.
The operator said it was a combination of issues caused by recent storms and ageing trains. The number of trains out of service was "unprecedented", it added.
Reduced services will continue to be running across the network from Monday, November 26, and priority will be given to the areas of greatest need, according to Transport for Wales.
Customers are strongly advised to check before they travel and to be aware that replacement bus services might be in operation.
But just which Transport of Wales is responsible
Transport for Wales is a not-for-profit company owned by the Welsh Government.[
It was established to provide support and expertise to the Welsh Government in connection to transport projects in Wales. In 2017, it procured the new Operator and Development Partner for the Wales & Borders railway franchise] under powers delegated to the Welsh government under the Government of Wales Act 2006.
The company introduced the Transport for Wales brand to replace the now defunct Arriva Trains Wales brand on the Wales & Borders franchise from 14 October 2018.
However !
The franchise is operated by Transport for Wales Rail.
Confused ?
In October 2016 Abellio, the incumbent operator Arriva, a Keolis/Amey joint venture and MTR Corporation were shortlisted to bid for the next Wales & Borders franchise.[4][5]In October 2017, Arriva withdrew from the bidding process, followed in February 2018 by Abellio, after the collapse of its partner Carillion.[6][7][8][9] In May 2018, the franchise was awarded to Keolis Amey Wales Cymru. It commenced on 14 October 2018 and runs for 15 years. Unlike the previous franchise, which was awarded by the Department for Transport, the new franchise was awarded by Transport for Wales, on behalf of the Welsh Government.
So we have Transport for Wales and Transport for Wales Rail Services which are not the same thing and you could be forgiven that we have some kind of Nationalised Rail Service as called for by Jeremy Corbyn and Labour in Scotland
However "Welsh" Labour have not only created a confused bureaucratic means of running Wales but have failed to call for real devolution of Transport t policy.
Do they think the idea of having separate bodies using the same name will give the impression that they run some kind of Nationalised Rail system in Wales.
If so they had better hope Transport for Wales Rail Services as opposed to Transport for Wales make drastic improvements and not think that a change of livery and painting the already decrepit stock a different colour , which seems to be coming off on passengers clothing.
Much has been promised but if we are to have clear scrutiny then we need one of the bodies to change their name , but in the 15 years of period before the Franchise comes up again or preferably before is it not time our Welsh Government gained control of Transport policy rather make a pathetic attempt to give the impression of it.
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