Rail industry creates new board to represent customers in Wales

Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales have joined forces with Welsh Government and passenger representatives to create a new board bringing track and train closer together.

The aim of the new board is to ensure there is ‘one voice’ representing rail users customers in Wales, the board will work together to drive improvements and hold the rail industry to account.

The Wales Route Supervisory Board builds on the work that has already taken place between Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales to improve services for passengers in Wales and the borders.

The board will be independently chaired by Margaret Llewellyn OBE, who has a broad range of experience in tourism, the rail industry and shipping and is a non-executive director at Cardiff Airport.

Margaret is a past winner of the Welsh ‘woman of the year’ award for management achievement and was awarded an OBE in 2004 for services to the economic development of Wales.

Andy Thomas, route managing director for Network Rail in Wales, said:

“The board will work together with one voice to best represent customers in Wales and the borders, driving improvements and holding the industry to account.

This new supervisory board is the next step in our journey to bring track and train closer together.

I’m delighted that Margaret Llewellyn OBE will be the independent chair of the board, using her knowledge and experience to head up a senior team from Network Rail, Arriva Trains Wales, Welsh Government and passenger representatives to deliver better outcomes for passengers.”

Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, said:

“Our vision is for a modern, efficient rail service to deliver considerable service improvements for passengers throughout Wales.

Closer working between key transport partners and ensuring that passengers sit at the heart of the next franchise, the Welsh Government’s first, is of paramount importance to us so I welcome today’s announcement by Network Rail regarding the establishment of this board and the appointment of Margaret Llewellyn OBE as Chair.”

The first board meeting will take place in September.