Track and train brought closer together as rail industry creates new board to represent customers in Wales and the borders

Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales have joined forces with Welsh Government and passenger representatives to create a new board bringing track and train closer together and ensuring there is one voice to represent customers in Wales and the borders. The board will work together to drive improvements and hold the rail industry to account
The Wales Route Supervisory Board builds on the work that has already taken place between Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales to improve services for passengers in Wales and the borders.
The board will be independently chaired by Margaret Llewellyn OBE, who has a broad range of experience in tourism, the rail industry and shipping and is a non-executive director at Cardiff Airport. She is a past winner of the Welsh ‘woman of the year’ award for management achievement and was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to the economic development of Wales.
Andy Thomas, route managing director for Network Rail in Wales, said: “The board will work together with one voice to best represent customers in Wales and the borders, driving improvements and holding the industry to account.
“This new supervisory board is the next step in our journey to bring track and train closer together. I’m delighted that Margaret Llewellyn OBE will be the independent chair of the board, using her knowledge and experience to head up a senior team from Network Rail, Arriva Trains Wales, Welsh Government and passenger representatives to deliver better outcomes for passengers.”
Margaret Llewellyn OBE, the new independent chair of the board, said: “The supervisory board, by working in partnership with the Welsh Government, Transport for Wales and the rail operators, aims to be the mechanism to create economic growth for both business and tourism throughout Wales. I am delighted to be part of the rail industry’s ambition to see a better connected Wales for all.”
Ian Bullock, managing director for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “This new board, building on a strong foundation of industry leading right time performance, presents a real opportunity to continue to develop the network for our rail customers and the wider Welsh economy. The board will lead and support important preparation work for the exciting developments and investments to come in 2018 and beyond.”
Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, said: “Our vision is for a modern, efficient rail service to deliver considerable service improvements for passengers throughout Wales. Closer working between key transport partners and ensuring that passengers sit at the heart of the next franchise, the Welsh Government’s first, is of paramount importance to us so I welcome today’s announcement by Network Rail regarding the establishment of this board and the appointment of Margaret Llewellyn OBE as Chair.”
Anthony Smith, chief executive of Transport Focus, said: “Transport Focus will work to ensure the voice of the passenger in Wales and the borders is at the heart of every action of the new board. Passengers in Wales tell us their top priorities for improvement are more seats and more space to deal with overcrowding, a more punctual and reliable service and new trains. We will be using our research to help Network Rail and train companies stay focused on delivering what rail passengers really want.”
The first board meeting will take place in September.