Montgomeryshire's MP Glyn Davies and Russell George AM have welcomed the Welsh Government's announcement of long-awaited hourly train services along the Cambrian Railway, citing the economic boost it will bring to Montgomeryshire.
The Welsh Government's Transport Minister Edwina Hart announced the introduction of four new return services between Mondays and Saturdays, as well as two new return services on Sunday. The new services will start in May 2015.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Mr George said: "We have been campaigning for the introduction of what is a vital hourly service along the Cambrian line for decades, allowing more people to use the line for commuting and leisure and enhancing a vital transport link.
"This is economically and socially important for the area at a time when other public transport services are being cut. It will provide opportunities for people to travel to work, to access important services in communities along the line and offer businesses improved access to the main UK rail network."
Glyn Davies MP added that "Arriva Trains Wales are ready to roll with this new services. I met them recently and everything is in place. The additional weekday hourly services and Sunday return services will allow people to use the railway more regularly and confidently.
"The hourly service is was an ambition of the Development Board for Rural Wales 25 years ago, which I have previously chaired. Every single organisation has come together in order to make the improvements necessary for the line for an hourly service to be possible."
Mr George acknowledged some outstanding issues, particularly a need to reassure farmers that there would be adequate time to move livestock across the line.