Following the answer to WAQ7657 and the written statement of 4 June, what is the anticipated timetable for Transport for Wales to take on responsibility for the Welsh Ministers’ operator of last resort duties for the Wales and Borders rail service from 14 October 2018?
We are required to have an operator of last resort (OLR) process to step in and operate train services in the case that the Operator and Development Partner is unable to continue to do so. Through our relationship with UK Government, we have arranged with the Department for Transport to make use of their agreements for the provision of this service until such a time TfW has capability to provide the OLR function. Work has begun to develop this capability and capacity and TfW expects to be in the position to provide this function, subject to ORR approval, by 2021.