The draft order to devolve to the Welsh government the procurement and management of the Wales and Borders franchise train services was laid before Parliament. The draft order will be subject to approval from MPs, Lords and the Privy Council.
This follows detailed discussions between the Department for Transport and the Welsh Government on how powers will be devolved to Welsh ministers. 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.
“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,” Rail Minister Jo Johnson 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,” Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said.
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