Wales and Borders Rail Routes
 
14:45
Janet Finch-Saunders
6. Will the Minister make a statement on the franchising of the Wales and Borders rail routes? OAQ(4)0510(EST)

14:45
 Edwina Hart
Yes. I’ll shortly announce the new strategic advisory board, which will guide our work on the next Wales and Borders franchise. This is an opportunity to design rail services to better support our wider economic and social ambition. As I indicated in my response to your spokesperson, we will certainly be involving Assembly Members and spokespeople for early discussions on these matters.
 

14:45
 Janet Finch-Saunders
Thank you, Minister. I ask the question as a frequent rail user, but also on behalf of the many constituents of mine who are now finding greater difficulty, shall we say, with the rolling stock and various other issues. Really, the questions I’ve been asked are, in terms of franchise agreements, how transparent the process is, how wide the consultation goes with stakeholders and service users and, you know, how members of the public can actually access that kind of detail.
 
14:46
 Edwina Hart
Yes, I think I’ll have to give some consideration, when we’re looking at this, about whether I have a website that members of the public can look at to see where progress is and where they can place comments, and I’ll certainly come back on that matter—a very helpful suggestion, Janet.