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00:00Well, the changing of the timetable is having a significant detrimental impact on the economy of the Camryn coast from Pwyllely down the coast to Machynlleth.
00:10I've received numerous messages from businesses who have found footfall decrease and a subsequent loss of income.
00:17At a time when the hospitality sector is already struggling, this change to the tram timetable is making things worse.
00:24Pubs, restaurants, local independent cinemas, theatres and others have been impacted.
00:29Here's one example from the lovely Morlin guesthouse in Llyndanwg near Harlech.
00:33It is little businesses like ours which are suffering. We have an ongoing contract with a Dutch company,
00:39where Dutch guests arrive to us in Llyndanwg by train, stay for two days, then carry on by bus and on the train up to Llandino,
00:47then on by train doing a Grand UK tour, where the first stop, they arrive all the way from Amsterdam on the first day
00:54and should be able to connect at Birmingham International with the Cambrian Lane arriving here at 1813,
00:59but the connections don't always work, so inevitably they get to us two hours later on the next train.
01:05Now that last train has gone. The only alternative is a taxi ride from Shrewsbury, she says.
01:11So can the Cabinet Secretary explain to my constituents why they should have to lose income, jobs and our economy suffer
01:18because of Transport for Wales' failure to run an effective service on the Cambrian Lane?
01:24Well, first of all, it's absolutely vital that we recognise that rail services don't just meet the needs of communities,
01:34but also the needs of tourists, as you've outlined in the message from the business that you've liaised with.
01:41And in your case, it's visitors who primarily will access the service at Shrewsbury.
01:46And that's why I am delighted that Transport for Wales will be increasing services on routes that experience higher demand in the tourist season,
01:55supporting the local economy, as the member has said needs to happen, and indeed tourism right across mid-Wales.
02:03Now, TFW plan to run an additional 428 Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth service during the summer months,
02:10and following network rail infrastructure upgrades, they plan to strengthen four daytime services from two to four cars on the Cambrian coastline.
02:20That demonstrates how Transport for Wales and the Welsh Government is meeting the needs,
02:24not just of the communities that services run through, but also the needs of tourists in mid-Wales.