WALES’ new rail service provider has taken over from Arriva.

Transport for Wales (TfW), part of operator KeolisAmey, began running the train services in the country from Sunday.

Arriva Trains Wales have ceased their operation of the services after almost 15 years since taking over in December 2003.

The new 15-year contract taken on by TfW will have £5bn of public funding, with which it has promised to improve rail travel across the country, focusing primarily on the central valleys region.

Money is expected to be spent on providing an increase in services over the course of a few years, with an increase in Sunday services of nearly 61 per cent from December 2019.

There will also be an expected £800m investment in new trains, with the franchise set to make 600 jobs and 30 new apprenticeships each year.

Welsh Assembly Member Ken Skates said the plans are a “huge step forward for the railway services in Wales”.

Several stations, including Chirk, Ruabon and Wrexham General are all set to benefit from a £200m modernisation programme set to be rolled out by the TfW franchise.

Passengers are now urged to follow online updates from TfW to keep up with the latest travel updates.

For more information regarding the changeover in operators, visit http://tfw.gov.wales/journey-begins