Firstly on trains we are aware that Transport for Wales trains are subject to frequent appalling overcrowding on services connecting Aberystwyth and Holyhead to Birmingham International through Telford, and also between Cardiff and Manchester with connections in Shrewsbury. These services are run directly by the Welsh Government with whom we have no electoral relationship and so our only option is to write to the two MP’s who cover Telford (Telford Central Station) and The Wrekin (Wellington Station), which we will do as soon as Parliament re-convenes.
There are a number of issues about buses such as bus stop markings on the roads, lack of timetables at bus stops and electronic bus timetable information at bus station bus shelters not working which we will take up, or have already taken up, with the council and Arriva, and there has recently been an issue with service 102/3 run by Select Bus/Chaserider for the council, which one of our members has referred to the council.
Remember that in order to follow up issues with bus services we need the day, the date, the bus service number, the direction of travel and the time that the service problems occurred. This allows us to effectively take them up because Arriva, at least, have the records for each vehicle journey each day.
We are also aware from Arriva that they will be reviewing timetables for services Nos. 5, 5A, 5E, 6, and 7 from September to try and improve timekeeping.
We have taken up with Arriva the question of inadequate information for intending passengers when bus services are being significantly diverted because of impending roadworks, and particularly when services are returning to their normal route if roadworks finish early. We may well continue this with the council if we become aware of further problems.
Again with regards to problems with the trains we will take up any issues where we have the day, the date, the station, the direction of the train service and the name of the company – West Midlands Trains or Transport for Wales.
We are aware that service timings on the 101 route are not the most helpful and remain aware that the timetables for the new Select Bus/Chasewater services run on behalf of the council are difficult to track down and can be found on www.telford.gov.uk/busservices.
Ken Buttress, Chairman, Environment and Transport Action Group.
