First class carriages on a controversial express train from North Wales to Cardiff are to be retained, transport minister Edwina Hart revealed.
The early morning train from Holyhead and the evening return service offer the only first class carriage on the Arriva Trains Wales network and also include a restaurant and a travelling chef.
Rumours have circulated in railway circles the first class carriage was to be withdrawn and catering reduced to microwaved meals.
Railway sources said the three chefs had been told their services were not going to be required when the new timetable comes into force on December 15.
But in an apparent U-turn Transport Minister Edwina Hart has announced the chefs are to be retained and the first class carriage rebranded as “business class”.
In a letter to AMs seen by the Daily Post, Mrs Hart said: “We have been working with Arriva Trains Wales to improve the catering provided on this service.
“From 15 December, 2014, first class will be rebranded to business class with a catering service in keeping with the needs of business travellers.
“A range of hot meals will be served by a travelling chef and will be available for all passengers using the service.
"There will be a new, more extensive and flexible menu range and three-course meals will be available in the evening and either a continental breakfast or hot rolls in the mornings.
“Business class passengers will have their meals served at their table, as part of the ticket price.
“Standard class passengers will be able to purchase any of the food options, as at present. Standard class passengers will also be able to pay a supplement to upgrade to the business carriage.
“Arriva Trains Wales have provided assurance there will be no staff redundancies as a result of these changes, and it will improve the marketing and promotion of the service to generate additional patronage.”
The news received a mixed reaction from AMs.
Anglesey AM Rhun ap Iorwerth welcomed the announcement saying the rebranding exercise underlined the value of the service.
“I am pleased the full service is being maintained with the business class taking over from first class.
“This reflects the importance of the service in uniting the Welsh economy,” he said
But North Wales Lib Dem AM Aled Roberts believes the service is too costly and unneccesary.
“The timings are no better than other trains and the catering service serves too few passengers,” he said.
Branded as Y Gerallt Gymro (Gerald of Wales) the Arriva Trains Wales flagship service was launched by former Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones in December 2008 and shaves 30 minutes off the southbound journey time.
The northbound evening service makes more stops but is still quicker.