Changes to Welsh train services

TRAIN services cancelled due to the pandemic will return next month.

Transport for Wales (TFW) will reintroduce services across Wales – and it says it also hopes to roll out new trains between May and December.

From Sunday, May 15, a new rail timetable will be in place across the Wales and Borders network.

Passengers are being advised to check the times of services and any connections when the new timetable comes into place.

Among the key changes are six extra services each way between Swansea and West Wales.

There will be nine additional services each way per day along the North Wales Coast between Chester and Llandudno Junction, including the return of direct services between Llandudno and Manchester Airport.

Transport for Wales is also reintroducing two additional return services between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, and along the Conwy Valley Line between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

In Cardiff, direct services between Coryton and Radyr, and the shuttle service between Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay will also return.

Colin Lea, of Transport for Wales, said: “We are introducing more services across our network and making adjustments elsewhere from 15 May.

“It’s really important for customers to check their journey details ahead of travelling. As we welcome more customers back to our services, some trains will be busier than they have been for a while, especially in the busy holiday periods.

“For those customers who wish to travel on quieter services, we recommend using our Capacity Checker tool.”

The changes:

Mid and West Wales:

■■Two additional return services between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury, increasing from 10 to 12

■■Six of the current return services between Pembroke Dock and Carmarthen will be extended to Swansea, and an additional return service between Pembroke Dock and Tenby

■■Three additional return services to/ from Fishguard Harbour, increasing from three to six

■■On the Heart of Wales Line, an additional early morning service between Shrewsbury and Llandrindod, and an additional early morning service between Swansea and Llandovery

North Wales:

■■Nine additional return trips between Chester and Llandudno Junction

■■Direct Llandudno-manchester Airport services will be reinstated

■■Two additional return services between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, increasing from four to six

South Wales:

■■Reintroduction of direct services between Coryton and Radyr via the City Line ■■Reintroduction of five services per hour between Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay (subject to the completion of works to the Adam Street bridge)

Borders:

■■Four services between South Wales and Gloucester will be extended to Cheltenham Spa

■■TFW will no longer call at Stafford

■■Selected Sunday services between Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton will no longer call at intermediate stations.