CUTS in rail services in Wales have been attacked by the country’s opposition parties, who urge Labour to “put their money where their mouth is.”

Transport for Wales (TfW) is to reduce daily services on its Heart of Wales network from five to two.

TfW is also axing two late evening services to Llandovery and Llandrindod Wells.

Plaid Cymru transport spokeswoman in Westminster Ann Davies said the Labour Welsh government should not “settle for less” on rail funding in the upcoming autumn Budget. 

She said: “This Budget is the first real test of Labour’s commitment to Wales.

“After years of slamming the Conservatives for treating Wales unfairly on rail funding, it’s time for Labour to put their money where their mouth is.

“With HS2’s cost now estimated at £66 billion, Wales should be seeing around £4bn in consequentials.

“If we’re treated fairly – like Scotland and Northern Ireland – it’s what we’re owed.

“The Welsh government must stand firm and refuse to accept crumbs when billions are on the table.

The Welsh Lib Dems said the TfW cuts will “reduce investment in communities, limit opportunities for local people and go against plans to tackle climate change.”

Wales’s sole Liberal Democrat MP David Chadwick, who represents Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, said: “These cuts from Labour are an absolute disgrace.

“You have Labour on the one hand telling people they need to use their cars less, but on the other hand, they are cutting public transport options.

“The two things don’t go together. It’s a ridiculous situation that shows how poorly they understand rural communities.”

A Welsh government spokesperson said it appreciates that passengers will be “disappointed with these changes,” but that services will be “improved in the coming months.”