It now appears that some ministers are saying that the power over rail travel should be transferred to Wales after plans to create a new link from Aberystwyth to London was rejected. This proposed route, which was going to run twice daily, was turned down by the Office of Rail Regulation.

The Rural Affairs Minister, Ceredigion AM Elin Jones, said that she is very disappointed with the rejection. The Office of Rail Regulation said that it was concerned about the financial viability of the proposal itself.

Arriva Trains Wales wanted to re-introduce this service for the first time since it was scrapped back in 1991. The rail operator went on to say that the link would have boosted the economy and tourism in mid-Wales and Shropshire. However, some people were siding with the Office of Rail Regulation. Wrexham and Shropshire rail routes were expressing fear that this new “rival” service could actually put it out of business.

Ms Jones said that she was disappointed that the proposal to re-introduce a direct service between Aberystwyth and London was rejected. Local passengers have lost out on having a nice through train on this route for the first time since the 1990’s. This decision highlights why responsibility over local railways should be fully devolved to Wales.

By Devolving full responsibilities for rail travel, Jones added, it would ensure that priority is given to the needs of locals rather than the priorities of a London-based regulator, who only seems to be interested on how the route would affect “their” side of the deal. What about the people on the other side?

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