NEW TRAINS LAUNCHED TODAY

COMMUTERS have been urged to check train times as a major change to timetables across the country is launched today.

More than 1,000 services are being introduced across the UK. Transport for Wales has described the changes as the ‘most significant changes to train times on our network in the last 10 years’.

As well as the increased service, the launch will see newer and refurbished trains.

Dr Gwyn Williams, who lives in Cardiff but works in Cwmbran, is worried about the new timetable for services running on a weekday.

He said: “I travel on the 4.31 train from Carmarthen, which connects with the 5.29 train from Swansea. It gives you enough time to catch the connecting Great Western Railway London train.

“From Monday the train will get to Swansea at 5.18, which only gives you four minutes to get to the train. If it is not on time or if someone has a mobility issue then they might miss the train. I hope this won’t be the case.”

The new Sunday services:

■ A new Cardiff Central to Maesteg service;

■ A new Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog service;

■ More than doubling the number of services between Cardiff Central and Swansea from 14 to 29;

■ Services from Cardiff to Gloucester will start two hours earlier than last year;

■ Five services in each direction between Pwllheli and Machynlleth;

■ 21 services between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury as opposed to 16;

■ 32 brand new services between Llandudno and Llandudno Junction;

■ Seven extra services between Rhymney and Cardiff and 29 extra services to and from Caerphilly;

■ An hourly service between Treherbert and Cardiff;

■ An enhanced Barry Island service; and

■ More and later trains between Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay