NEW FACE FOR THE CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS PARNERSHIP

The Cambrian Railways Partnership has recently appointed Rhydian Mason as their new Rail Development Officer.

35 year-old Rhydian, who took up his post at the end of January has over 14 years' experience in marketing and public relations, having worked for a number of well known organisations including the BBC and Wales YFC, is looking forward to the challenges of promoting and developing initiatives linked with the Cambrian Lines, which run from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli.

“Having previously worked on projects ranging from food tourism to energy efficiency, my new role offers a challenge where I can establish new and innovative ways of not only promoting the Cambrian railway routes, but finding ways of increasing the possibilities and potential for people who live along them – either by way of local community initiatives and projects, or by increasing awareness of the attractions and businesses that have established themselves within striking distance of the many railway stations and communities along the Cambrian lines.

“I also plan to look at initiatives to encourage more people to 'take the Cambrian' instead of the car - we live in a rural corridor that's well served by the railway, so we need to make it easier for people to consider the train as an option to get to work, to go shopping, or just to enjoy the fabulous scenery along the Cambrian.”

Speaking on behalf of Arriva Trains Wales, Ben Davies, Stakeholder Liaison Manager said that he was delighted to welcome Rhydian to the Cambrian Railways Partnership;

“The Cambrian lines are one of our key services in Wales and Arriva Trains Wales is committed to making efforts to ensure that our service links in with the communities and enterprises located along it's route.”

Councillor Trevor Roberts, who Chairs the Cambrian Coast Railway Lines Liaison Committee said that he looked forward to working with Rhydian to raise awareness of existing initiatives related to the Cambrian Lines:

“The partnership exists in order to benefit the whole of the local communities along the route of the Cambrian Lines, and I'm look forward to working with Rhydian during the coming months.”

Councillor Mansel Williams said: "As Chairman of the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury Line Liaison Committee, which represents all the local authorities and communities along the line, I warmly welcome Rhydian as the new Rail Development Officer. For social, economic, education and for access to hospitals, the line is a major transport link from Aberystwyth and the Mid-Wales coast to Shrewsbury and onwards. I look forward to working with Rhydian to acheive the best railway services for all our communities."

Latest details about initiatives and campaigns (including the recently launched Train..Stay..Save campaign) can be found online at www.thecambrianline.co.uk, or alternatively, information can be picked up at any of the staffed railway stations and local tourist information centres along the Cambrian Lines.

Notes for Editors

The Cambrian Railways Partnership is jointly funded and supported by Arriva Trains Wales, Gwynedd, Powys, Ceredigion and Shropshire Councils. These partners work together to identify and realise improvements to services and infrastructure on the Cambrian Lines and undertake marketing work in order to develop existing and potential customer markets.

Rhydian can be contacted at

Rhydian Mason
Rail Development Officer
Cambrian Railways Partnership
c/o Arriva Trains Wales
Doll Street
Machynlleth
Powys SY20 8BL
e-mail: info@rhydianmason.co.uk
Phone: 07795 644412

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