Train chiefs will have the chance next week to set out their plans for a dramatic improvement of rail services in Wales.

"We are on the dawn of a new era with all these new inter-city trains and services coming to Wales," said Clive Williams of the Rail Passengers Committee.

"Virgin Trains will increase from one to seven services in South Wales and from three to seven services in North Wales. Once again Wales is reaping the benefit of all this investment in new trains."

He said Wales is also going to get modern class 175 trains in North Wales provided by First North Western and new Class 170 trains provided by Central Trains for journeys between the Midlands and South Wales

More information will be revealed at the next meeting of the RPC for Wales at Trehafod near Pontypridd on Tuesday and Wednesday next week (25 and 26 September 2001).

Virgin Trains representatives will explain the company's plans to increase the number of rail services in Wales.

"Virgin Trains obviously sees Wales as a very important market" said Mr Williams.

Also at the meeting will be Mike Carroll, managing director of First Great Western with, it is hoped, news of FGW's plans to increase the number of services between Cardiff and Swansea.

The meeting will also give the opportunity for the Strategic Rail Authority and train companies to explain the new Wales and Borders franchise.


The meeting will be held at the Heritage Park Hotel, Trehafod, Near Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff on Tuesday from 14.00 to 17.15 and on Wednesday from 9.00 to 12.45.

Train company staff attending on the first day include: Tom Clift, managing director of Valley Lines, Jane Cole, regional manager of Virgin Trains, Mark Haslam, account manager of Central Trains, and Chris Turner, regional manager of Virgin Trains.

There will also be Jonathan Melsom, liaison manager external relations of the Strategic Rail Authority, Superintendent Patrick Daly, area commander of the South Western area, British Transport Police.

On Tuesday those attending include Mike Carroll, managing director of First Great Western, Chris Gibb of managing director of Wales & West, Denise Lennox, compliance manager of First North Western, Paul Rogers, commercial manager of Railtrack Great Western, Steve Fountain, Rail Journey Information Systems, ATOC and Shirley Jinks of ICL.


As much of the proceedings as possible will be taken in public.

Information from Clive G Williams or Mark Youngman. Tel: 029 2022 7247, 029 2037 3933 or 07974 722815 and 07855 456767 or Paul Harley on 0777 5700 344.

Email: walesrailusers at netscapeonline.co.uk