A new era of the railway has begun for the people of Wales & Borders.

Transport for Wales has successfully taken over the operation of Wales & Borders. KeolisAmey will be delivery the 15-year contract for Transport for Wales Rail Services.

KeolisAmey is delivering innovative and exciting solutions during this transformative contract. These solutions will bring significant benefits to communities and people the length and breadth of Wales. It will also create a new standard for the industry as rail services and infrastructure will be integrated for the first time.

An Important Moment for Rail in Wales

Speaking at an official launch held at Pontypridd Station, First Minister Carwyn Jones said: “This is an important moment for rail in Wales – indeed for devolution itself. Led by Transport for Wales with our partners KeolisAmey this will be the very first ‘made in Wales’ rail service, designed and delivered by the Welsh Government. The opportunity to re-design and re-purpose our railway network in Wales is a once in a generation opportunity and I am confident that by 2033 it can be the best passenger rail service in the UK. All political parties support the chance to develop an integrated transport system that encourages economic growth and better supports our public services, and the opportunities to develop Metro systems here in South East Wales, in the North East and around Swansea Bay are drawing attention from across the globe.”

Improvements Ahead

Speaking at an earlier event in North Wales, Transport Secretary Ken Skates outlined some of the many improvements passengers can expect to see in the next few weeks, months and years: “Investment totalling almost £5bn of over the next decade and a half will transform our network. We have committed £800m to deliver new trains across the network, which by 2023 will see 95% of rail journeys made on new trains.

“A further £194m will improve the passenger experiences at our stations across the Wales & Borders network. There is £738m earmarked to modernise the central metro lines, support the next phase of Metro and run more trains every hour. Transport for Wales Rail Services will offer 600 new jobs and 450 apprenticeships over the 15-year lifespan of the contract.

“Passengers will enjoy the benefits of the introduction of smart ticketing across the network, and through the extension of free travel to under-11s with half-price fares for 16 to 18-year-olds, they will see economic improvements also. This is an exciting time for Wales, and we wish Transport for Wales every success in bringing about these transformational changes on our behalf.”

Wales & Borders Contract and Important First Step

James Price, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales added: “Transport for Wales has innovative plans to revolutionise transport across Wales and we’re ambitious to create a rail service that puts customers first. Taking over the running of the Wales & Borders Rail Service is an important first step on an exciting journey of transformation that will also see the creation of the South Wales Metro.”

Kevin Thomas, Chief Executive, Transport for Wales Rail Services commented: “Our customers, the people of Wales & border areas, deserve a rail service that matches the Welsh Government’s vision. We know people have high expectations of the transformation that will happen in the coming years. We’re determined to win their trust and develop a rail service that exceeds their expectations.”

The start of this important contract marks the continued growth of Keolis in the UK transport market. The company is currently a joint venture operator of heavy and light rail services in the cities of London, Manchester, and Nottingham.

Alistair Gordon, Chief Executive of Keolis UK, said: “Today is a very exciting day for Keolis UK, and our long-standing partner Amey, as we begin the journey of transforming rail services in Wales. The work that will happen over the next five years and beyond will benefit all of Wales and we are proud to be working closely with the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales to deliver this bold vision.”