Alarming decline in passenger numbers across North Wales

Cuts to services and spiralling costs for commuters has led to a decline in the number of passengers using key North Wales stations over the past five years.

The decline in passenger numbers was particularly marked at stations between Llandudno Junction and Chester, with passengers dropping by 20% through Rhyl, 8% through Colwyn Bay and 5% through Shotton and Flint.

This is a contrast to most other UK stations most other stations across the UK, for example, Chester saw a 35% passenger increase and Cardiff a 10% increase over the same period.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Candidate for Alyn and Deeside DonnaLalek said:

“Our railways play a crucial role in the North Wales economy and are essential if we’re to create the greener transport system we need. It is disappointing that cuts to services and rising fares are doing everything possible to discourage commuters from using trains and worsen the already raw deal North Wales rail passengers receive.

“I hope North Wales’ railways urgently get the investment they need. The Welsh Liberal Democrats call on the North Wales Growth Deal to include an ambitious North Wales Metro and electrification for North Wales to ensure rail passengers across North Wales receive they quality service they deserve.”

Local train commuter Professor Tom Rippeth said:

“Despite the popularity of the North Wales coast route with commuters, we have seen prime time services in the both the Manchester and Bangor directions cut. These cuts make commuting by train more difficult. For example, there is now only one train departing Flint for Bangor between 7am and 9am and only one direct train between 3pm and 7pm.

“Over the past 5 years we’ve seen inconvenient cuts to services whilst fares have rocketed by 20%. It’s clear that passengers are voting with their feet and finding other ways to get to work.

“Recent research has shown that North Wales rail users pay nearly twice as much at 42p per mile as train users in South Wales at 24p per mile.”