THE operator of the majority of the railway lines in Wales has pulled out of the tendering process for the franchise in 2018.

Arriva Trains Wales notified Transport for Wales that it would no longer be seeking to operate the service for the Wales and the Borders franchise.

The decision leaves just three companies vying for the contract, with Arriva focusing on its current delivery.

Tom Joyner, the managing director of Arriva Trains Wales said: “We have been notified that Arriva Group have withdrawn from the bidding process for the next Wales and Borders franchise.

“Our key priority following this announcement is to continue to focus on the delivery of our services for the people and communities that depend on us for the remainder of the current franchise, including a £1m Arriva Trains Wales investment in additional trains which will be introduced in 2018.

“We will continue to work closely with our government and industry partners to support them with the delivery of their priorities.”

A spokeswoman for Transport for Wales said: “Arriva Rail Wales have notified Transport for Wales that they intend to withdraw from the bidding process for the next Wales and Borders rail franchise.

“It is not uncommon for bidders for major projects to withdraw during the tender process and Arriva have been clear they have done for their own commercial reasons.

“The procurement process is a tough and demanding one and we recognise Arriva’s extensive work to date.

“We would like to thank the company for their support and positive attitude since the procurement started and we will continue to work closely with the company to ensure that existing staff and customers are central to our transition planning over the next 12 months.

“With final tenders due later this year, we have three companies with world-class credentials each putting their own, distinct cases for how they will deliver the ambitious objectives we set, with the goal of delivering a step change in rail services for passengers across Wales and the Borders.”

Responding to the announcement, Andrew RT Davies AM, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, said: “It is very concerning to see one of the major players in Welsh transport pull out of the bidding at this stage, and raises serious questions over the Welsh Government’s engagement with the tender process.

“We need absolute confidence from the Cabinet Secretary that he and his team are handling the tender process correctly, and that in the ensuing transition period rail users will not see a deterioration in service.

“I will be seeking to learn the exact date as to when Transport for Wales were first informed of Arriva’s withdrawal.

“The timing of the Cabinet Secretary’s announcement falls on a suspiciously auspicious period for the Welsh Government, who have developed a habit for burying bad news during recess.”