The transfer of rail services to the Welsh government has taken a significant step forward after legislation was laid in the Westminster Parliament, but there remains no agreement on devolving responsibility for infrastructure.
A draft order laid before Parliament last week will devolve the procurement and management of Wales and Borders franchise train services within Wales, subject to approval from MPs, Lords and the Privy Council.
This follows detailed discussions between the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Welsh Government on how powers will be devolved to Welsh ministers.
Ken Skates
The DfT said the agreement also takes into account the fact that many of the franchise services operate on both sides of the border between England and Wales and includes safeguards to protect all passengers using these routes.
Rail minister Jo Johnson said: ‘This is a positive and significant step in the franchise devolution process and is an example of the effective cooperation between the UK and Welsh governments.
‘The devolution of these powers delivers on recommendations made by the Commission on Devolution in Wales and demonstrates the commitment we made as a government in the 2015 St David’s Day Agreement.’
Last year, the UK Government rejected calls to devolve responsibility for rail infrastructure in the principality, an issue that remains unresolved.
Ken Skates, the Welsh Government cabinet secretary for economy and transport, said: ‘I welcome this recognition of the extensive nature of the cross-border services - and services wholly within England - provided by the Wales and Borders franchise and the need for appropriate accountability for rail operations on each side of the border.’
He added: ‘It will be important for devolution of funding for Network Rail to be delivered in the future and I will continue dialogue with the Department for Transport to that end.’
As well as continuing with present franchise funding arrangements, the UK Government will provide an extra £125m towards upgrading the Valley Lines, part of the Welsh Government’s metro project in South Wales.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
