Railfuture Wales welcomes the proposed continued investment in rail services, as outlined in the Welsh National Transport Plan issued today.
But Railfuture wishes to see an increased proportion of Welsh transport investment spent on rail in future once the legacy road schemes have been completed.
Upgrades of infrastructure, rolling stock and stations in Wales are urgently required to bring Welsh rail transport up to the standard experienced in other parts of Europe.
More frequent services are needed on some lines to provide for the increased number of passengers.
Statistics for 2008-09 were issued by the Office of Rail Regulation last week.
A provisional analysis of the number of passengers using Welsh stations in 2008-9 indicates a rise of around 17% compared with 2007-8, an increase well above that previously forecast.
In these circumstances the no-growth rail franchise held by Arriva Trains Wales is not appropriate for the needs of rail passengers in Wales and requires considerable support from Welsh Assembly Government.
Information from Rowland Pittard of Railfuture Cymru/Wales - rowland.pittard at railfuturewales.org.uk.