WALES TO WATERLOO TRAIN SERVICE

Early day motion 1501, tabled 1 July 2003 by Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 20 members.

That this House notes that the primary aim of the train services from South and West Wales to London Waterloo is to provide direct access to Waterloo and Eurostar services; further notes that these services also provide a greatly welcomed range of new travel opportunities and a lower priced alternative to Great Western services to London; further notes that there is a demand for these services demonstrated by a recent increase in usage; is concerned by the recent conflicting press messages that the Strategic Rail Authority could remove these services from Wales and Borders and replace the current service with ones running only between Waterloo and Bristol; believes that such a change would appear to be based on operating convenience rather than customer requirements; asserts that, if they are removed, rail customers in Wales will be denied a useful through service and either be obliged to change trains to cover some of the journey, or will be forced to use Great Western at a significantly higher price; regrets that this may cause passengers to switch to cars; strongly believes that the relevant operation company should be instructed through their passenger service requirement to provide at least the existing level of services to Waterloo from South and West Wales; and calls on the Strategic Rail Authority to implement this and confirm the future of the Waterloo services.

Signatures by party: Labour 11, Liberal Democrat 4, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 2.