Arriva will receive �100m in subsidies annually

Arriva trains has pledged to bring "improved performance, reliability and punctuality" to the Welsh railways during its 15-year franchise.

The firm, which took over from Wales and Borders network on Sunday, is also responsible for all stations in the network.

Arriva are responsible for all services in Wales, apart from long-distance Virgin and First Great Western services.

The company has already promised that train passengers who are delayed by more than an hour will be given full refunds.

The firm, which will operate as Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru Ltd, has also promised safer and more punctual performance, a more "user-friendly" timetable, and greater integration of trains and buses.

'Improved reliability'

It means for the first time Wales will have a single rail service run by one management.

Arriva Chief Executive, Bob Davies, said: "Our focus will be to ensure we deliver a safe railway with improved performance, reliability and punctuality for existing and new customers."

Under the deal signed in October between Arriva and the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) - the body responsible for delivering the UK Government's transport strategy - Arriva will receive subsidies totalling �1.63bn over the 15 years it holds the contract.

The company will get subsidies of more than �100m for each year until 2019.

'Single management'

SRA Chairman, Richard Bowker, said: "For the very first time, Wales has a unified railway under a single operational management structure.

"This has all been achieved through partnership between the Welsh Assembly Government and the SRA, and Arriva Trains will now concentrate on what matters most to passengers - improved performance, reliability and punctuality."

Andrew Davies, Welsh Minister for Economic Development and Transport, added: "The Welsh Assembly Government has given a high priority to improving transport infrastructure.

"I am looking forward to working with Arriva to improve the existing service."

But Welsh Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson Jenny Randerson has written to Arriva Chief Executive Bob Davies to warn him that passengers are expecting rapid improvements.

In the letter, she said: "Arriva are making the right noises.

"They say they will maintain the present level of service, make timetables simple and run a small number of extra trains.

"The new uniforms have already stamped this company's mark on Welsh trains.