News

TfW to take rail replacement in-house but critics warn of risks to passengers and taxpayers

Published

1 month ago

October 9, 2025

Concerns raised over higher costs, loss of market efficiency, and lack of technology investment

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) is planning to bring its rail replacement and crew taxi operations in-house by 2026 — a move being hailed by the Welsh Government as a step toward greater control, but which industry sources fear could lead to higher costs and poorer service for passengers.

The plans follow the appointment of Helen Witherspoon in 2024 to oversee the transition. Witherspoon, who reports to Planning and Performance Director Colin Lea, previously worked for Transport UK (formerly Abellio). If completed, TfW would become the first train operator in the UK to internalise both rail replacement and crew taxi operations.

Loss of buying power

Until now, these services have been managed by external providers such as Arriva Road Transport Services (ARTS) and Transport UK, which operate across multiple train operators, airlines and public sector frameworks. Their scale and purchasing power allow them to negotiate competitive rates and ensure vehicle availability at short notice.

By contrast, TfW’s transport needs are confined to Wales and fluctuate significantly. Without national scale or commercial leverage, analysts warn it will be forced to pay above-market rates for vehicles and drivers — ultimately increasing costs borne by the taxpayer.

Technology and transparency concerns

Private sector operators have developed advanced systems to track vehicles in real time and integrate passenger communications. These platforms help operators manage large-scale disruptions, provide visibility to passengers, and ensure safety and punctuality.

Critics say that if TfW brings these services in-house, it will need major investment to replicate this technology. Without it, there is a risk of reduced visibility and efficiency, particularly in the crew taxi network which positions drivers and conductors across the network. Any disruption to this system could affect daily train performance.

Figures show that TfW already has one of the highest train cancellation rates in the UK — 7.6% of services cancelled so far this year — leading to concerns that further instability could hit public confidence.

Operational risk

Independent transport providers operate 24-hour control centres, maintain extensive supply chains, and can respond quickly to weather events, strikes or major incidents. TfW, by contrast, would need to build these capabilities from scratch — a costly and complex process.

There is also a fear that direct public ownership could lead to political pressure to reduce expenditure or limit replacement activity. Passenger groups have already criticised the growing use of “Do Not Travel” notices, sometimes issued at short notice to avoid the need for replacement services. With operations directly under government control, critics fear these warnings could become more common.

“A step backward for passengers”

While public ownership should, in theory, bring greater accountability, experts say the opposite may happen if costs rise and service standards fall.

Private firms such as CMAC, ARTS and Transport UK have spent decades refining efficient, flexible and resilient models for rail replacement. TfW’s in-house experiment, they warn, risks undoing that progress — creating higher operating costs, less flexibility, and a poorer experience for passengers at the very moment when Wales’ rail network is already under pressure.

News

Angle lifeboat tows stricken fishing vessel to safety

Published

7 minutes ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ANGLE lifeboat was launched at 8:56pm on Friday evening (Nov 14) to assist a 15-metre fishing vessel that had suffered mechanical failure around 26.5 miles southwest of St Ann’s Head.

The vessel, with seven crew members aboard, was located just before 11:00pm after the lifeboat made best speed through challenging night-time conditions. Following an assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that, given the vessel’s position, potential hazard to navigation, and the welfare of those on board, the safest option was to take the casualty under tow.

A tow was established and a course set for Milford Docks. After a slow and steady passage lasting more than seven hours, the boats arrived off the port shortly before 7:30am. While waiting for the next lock, the fishing vessel was brought alongside the lifeboat for the final approach.

The casualty was safely secured within Milford Docks by 8:00am. With no further assistance required, Angle’s all-weather lifeboat was refuelled and made ready for service by 8:45am — nearly 12 hours after the initial pager alert.

**Bringing her home: Angle lifeboat tows the casualty vessel overnight (Pic: RNLI Angle)**

Crime

Police investigate death of young woman in Cardigan

Published

23 minutes ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating following the death of a young woman in Cardigan on Friday afternoon (Nov 15).

Officers were called to the Netpool area, near the River Teifi, where the slipway was cordoned off and access restricted while investigations were carried out.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to local sources.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who is in he early twenties, or confirmed whether anyone has been arrested.

The Herald has contacted the force for an official statement

Crime

South Wales Police praised but told to improve child abuse investigations

Published

4 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Inspectors rate leadership and partnership working as ‘good’ but highlight inconsistent risk assessments

SOUTH WALES POLICE has been praised for its strong leadership and partnership work in protecting children from harm — but inspectors have called for improvements in how the force assesses risk and investigates abuse cases.

A report published on Thursday (Nov 14) by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) examined how the force responds to children at risk, how effectively it investigates allegations of abuse, and how well it works with safeguarding partners.

The inspectors concluded that “the concerted efforts of officers and staff, extending from operational teams to strategic leaders, are helping to achieve better outcomes for children.”

The report rated the force’s leadership, partnership work, and response to children at risk as good, but said performance in assessing risk and investigating abuse, neglect and exploitation was only adequate.

The inspection found that officers were “committed and caring,” and praised the establishment of specialist exploitation teams and the force’s investment in training. However, it also identified inconsistency in the supervision of child protection cases and delays in recording safeguarding decisions.

Assistant Chief Constable Tom Williams said the findings reflected the dedication of staff across South Wales Police and the importance the force places on protecting the most vulnerable.

He said: “Every day our officers and staff, both on the frontline and in specialist roles, work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable people in our communities from harm. I am really pleased that our work on child protection has been recognised by HM Inspectorate.

“In such a complex area of policing there will be ways we can get better, which is why we have increased training and set up dedicated exploitation teams that have already made a difference in identifying and investigating offences of grooming and child sexual exploitation.

“There is more work to do, but we are totally committed to protecting children from harm and playing an integral role in the wider network of partners across South Wales who keep young people safe.”

South Wales Police urged anyone concerned that a child may be at risk of abuse or neglect to report it, promising that all reports will be taken seriously and investigated.

The full HMICFRS report can be read at: South Wales Police: National child protection inspection – HMICFRS.