Wales ranked worst for local train services in Britain, survey reveals
A survey has revealed people in Wales rate their local train services worse than any other area in Britain.
The YouGov poll suggested that 22% of Welsh residents think rail provision in their area is bad.
It comes just a week after photos were taken on a packed train leaving Cardiff showing the shocking level of crowding that passengers were forced to endure as they made their way home.
Fears were raised that the level of crowding created an unsafe environment due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation in Wales.
Of the 55,000 adults surveyed, 11% responded to the survey saying that they do not have any local train services.
However, 22% of people said services in Wales are good.
Responding to the results of the YouGov poll, Welsh Conservative shadow minister for transport, Natasha Asghar said: "Sadly this comes as no surprise for people living in Wales.
"Transport for Wales, which is owned by the Welsh Labour Government, has consistently failed to address the problem of overcrowding on Welsh trains which is becoming more frequent.
"As shadow minister for transport I have regularly called for more carriages to be put on trains and for action to be taken to address the regular delays and cancellations to services that cause anger and frustration to commuters.
"It is clear that nothing has improved since Welsh Labour nationalised the railway, despite them saying it would protect services and deliver improvements to infrastructure, which is grossly disappointing to me and train users all across Wales."
The survey indicated that other regions with low satisfaction ratings include Scotland, Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West.
The Department for Transport announced that the eastern leg of HS2 will not be built between the East Midlands and Leeds.
The YouGov survey suggested that people in London are the least likely to say their services are bad.
Transport for Wales statement
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: "Transport for Wales has started implementing an investment programme that will transform transport in Wales and the Borders, including an £800 million spend on brand new trains to run throughout the network.
"TfW is also developing Metro schemes in North, West and South Wales which will provide more integrated transport networks for the people of Wales and improve connectivity.
"Building work is well underway on the South Wales Metro, a three quarters of a billion pound investment that will electrify lines, renew rail infrastructure and offer more capacity, more frequent services and better accessibility on brand new tram-trains that are greener for the environment.
"North Wales will benefit from the introduction of newer trains from the middle of next year.
"TfW is delivering the investment in additional carriages that will enable more passengers to use the railways, bringing benefits to the environment at the same time."
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