THE start of the new Wales and Borders rail franchise provides a "once in a generation opportunity" to create "the best passenger rail service in the UK", Carwyn Jones has said.

Control over the Wales and Borders franchise, which has been run by Arriva Trains Wales for the past 15 years, was handed to Keolis-Amey on Sunday.

As part of the £5 billion contract, which will be overseen by Transport for Wales, the French-Spanish joint venture also has responsibility for creating and running the South Wales Metro, and has said it will replace all trains by 2023.

Speaking at a launch event in Pontypridd yesterday, Monday, the first minister said he was optimistic about the future of the service.

“This is an important moment for rail in Wales – indeed for devolution itself," he said. “Led by Transport for Wales with our partners KeolisAmey this will be the very first ‘made in Wales’ rail service, designed and delivered by the Welsh Government

“The opportunity to re-design and re-purpose our railway network in Wales is a once in a generation opportunity and I am confident that by 2033 it can be the best passenger rail service in the UK. The chance to develop an integrated transport system that encourages economic growth and better supports our public services is supported across all political parties, and the opportunities to develop Metro systems here in south east Wales, in the north east and around Swansea Bay are drawing attention from across the globe.”

The first day of the new contract proved a challenging one, with services throughout the region cancelled and delayed as a result of Storm Callum.

But transport secretary Ken Skates said a number of improvements are in the pipeline.

“With investment totalling almost £5 billion over the next decade and a half, our network will be transformed," he said.

"We have committed £800 million to deliver new trains across the network, which by 2023 will see 95 per cent of rail journeys made on new trains. A further £194 million will be put to improving the passenger experiences at our stations across the Wales and Borders network.

“There is £738 million earmarked to modernise the central metro lines, support the next phase of Metro and run more trains every hour. Transport for Wales rail services will offer 600 new jobs and 450 apprenticeships over the 15 year lifespan of the contract.

“Passengers will enjoy the benefits of the introduction of smart ticketing across the network, and through the extension of free travel to under-11s with half-price fares for 16 to 18-year-olds, they will see economic improvements also.

“This is an exciting time for Wales, and we wish Transport for Wales every success in bringing about these transformational changes on our behalf.”

Chief executive of Transport for Wales rail services Kevin Thomas said: “Our customers - the people of Wales and border areas - deserve a rail service that matches Welsh Government’s vision. We know people have high expectations of the transformation that will happen in the coming years.

"We’re determined to win their trust and develop a rail service that exceeds their expectations."