Train chiefs apologise for more issues

TRANSPORT for Wales Rail Services has apologised to passengers who have suffered overcrowding or cancelled trains recently – and revealed another delay to promised additional rolling stock.

The franchise operator has numerous trains out of service for modifications, refurbishment and repairs.

The result has been felt by commuters and long-distance travellers.

Some Valley Lines trains at peak times have had only two coaches instead of the usual four.

Most cancellations have been attributed to “more trains than usual needing repairs at the same time”, with some being down to a shortage of train crew.

Colin Lea, customer experience director at TfW, said: “We recognise that some services have been more crowded than usual in recent days and we would like to apologise to customers for the difficult conditions.

“This is down to a combination of carrying out essential accessibility work and fitting of new technology which will improve reliability in the long term.

“A number of our trains have suffered damage while in service and our engineers are working hard to repair these.”

In 2017, the Welsh Government announced that five “Flex” diesel trains – converted electric trains – would enter service in 2018. The first of the trains was expected to start on the Rhymney line in June 2018. However, the project has hit major delays.

TfW hopes to start training drivers and conductors on its Flex trains next month, with the first entering service in November.

Until recently, it aimed to have all nine Flex units in use by December.