RAIL services in south Wales must improve when the new 10-year contract is awarded, a Welsh minister has said.

The Welsh Government is currently in the process of determining which firm will be awarded the contract to run the Wales and Borders franchise, which will include the planned South Wales Metro, from October 2018.

And speaking in the Senedd yesterday, Tuesday, the Welsh Government’s economy and infrastructure secretary Ken Skates said the new provider would be required to provide “a modern, efficient rail service, using modern technology and working practices”.

“We intend to create a rail service that benefits the whole of Wales, communities along the border, and in England,” he said.

He added the firm awarded the contract, currently held by Arriva Trains Wales, would be required to provide at least the same level of service as is currently on offer.

“As a minimum I expect that current services and frequencies are maintained as well as growth in services in prioritised and much needed areas,” he said.

“Alongside this, we want to see improvements in the quality of rolling stock, such as the provision of at-seat charging points, more effective luggage and bicycle storage and controlled emissions toilets, for a cleaner network.

“Work is also under way for the provision of free passenger Wi-Fi at the 50 busiest stations in Wales and on those trains not already fitted with the necessary equipment.”

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells said it was important the new contract included a provision to provide a good level of coverage on Sundays.

"We’re not living in 1870s Wales any more, where people went to chapel on a Sunday morning and then the rest of the day was a day of rest," she said.

"I’m dealing with casework from constituents who are unable to access job opportunities currently because of the lack of rail services on a Sunday."

Mr Skates replied: "The nature of work and the way of life have both changed in Wales and around the world in recent decades to the extent that we should now expect public transport services on weekend days to be far, far better than they were in the 1980s and 1990s and some parts of the wold even today.

"I can assure (Ms Howells) that there will be improved services on Sunday, not just in terms of rail services under the new franchise but also with the work that’s taking place in parallel on reforming bus services in Wales."

Conservative Montgomeryshire AM Russell George said it was important the operator delivered "fair and affordable fares, new trains, modern stations, an integrated network and a more environmentally-friendly service".

"It is essential that the Welsh Government maintains public confidence that the new franchise has been specifically designed to deliver value for rail users in Wales," he said.

And Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said: "We have to avoid the mistakes of the past and have a way of dealing with any challenges that arise in the future."

Replying, Mr Skates said the current contract, which was inherited from the UK government was "at best flimsy, and today is not fit for purpose".

Earlier this week Mr Skates announced five new trains with four carriages each would be on the rails next year thanks to a £1.9-million investment by the Welsh Government and £1 million from Arriva Trains Wales.