07 Dec 2021
Transport for Wales (TfW) customers are being encouraged to check their journey details as an increase in train services comes into effect in December 2021.
From Sunday 12 December, a new rail timetable will be in place across the TfW Wales and Borders network. It will also see the re-introduction of direct services between Crosskeys and Newport for the first time in almost 60 years.
While the times of many services will be unaffected, customers should still ensure they double check their departure, arrival and connection times.
Colin Lea, Transport for Wales Planning and Performance Director, said: “We are introducing more services across our network and making adjustments elsewhere from 12 December. 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 period leading up to Christmas. At present social distancing is not a requirement, but face coverings are mandatory, unless exempt. For those customers who wish to travel on quieter services, they should use our Capacity Checker tool."
Customers are reminded that wearing a face covering while on public transport remains the law in England and Wales, unless exempt. A face covering must also be worn whilst in enclosed stations.
Customers must purchase a valid ticket before boarding a TfW service. Checking journey details and purchasing tickets can be done here.
Metro transformation works will take place over the Christmas and New Year period, when the network is quieter, so customers should check to find out if their service is affected.
Major engineering work is continuing on the Barmouth Viaduct until Wednesday 29 December. As a result, a rail replacement bus service will run between Machynlleth and Pwllheli.
Notes to editors
Timetable Changes:
Valleys Services:
- Crosskeys – Newport (hourly service until 21:20 Monday to Saturday). New route. Note: A separate press release and details of a media event regarding the introduction of this new route will be distributed later this week
- Crosskeys – Newport (every two hours Sundays). New route.
- Cardiff Central – Ebbw Vale Town (22:34 Monday to Friday). Additional service until 31st December 2021.
- Cardiff Central - Ebbw Vale Town (23:02 Friday). Additional service from 3rd January 2022.
- Cardiff Central – Ebbw Vale Town (23:07 Monday to Thursday). New service from 3rd January 2022.
- Cardiff Central - Ebbw Vale Town (23:02 Saturday). Additional service.
- Cardiff Central – Maesteg (22:37 Monday to Thursday). Additional service.
- Cardiff Central – Maesteg (22:36 Friday). Additional service.
- Pontypool and New Inn. Pre-Covid service numbers resume.
Cardiff City Line (for Bishop of Llandaff School)
- Fairwater – Coryton (changing from 15:10 to 15:08). New departure time.
West Wales
- Carmarthen – Pembroke Dock (21:10 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
- Carmarthen – Pembroke Dock (21:00 Saturday). Additional service.
- Pembroke Dock – Carmarthen (22:27 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
- Pembroke Dock – Carmarthen (22:18 (Saturday). Additional service.
- Carmarthen – Fishgaurd Harbour (18:05 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
- Carmarthen to Fishguard Harbour (18:02 Saturday). Additional service.
- Fishguard Harbour – Carmarthen (19:05 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
- Fishguard Harbour to Carmarthen (19:00 Saturday). Additional service.
- Cardiff Central – Swansea extending to Carmarthen (22;27 Saturday). New service.
Heart of Wales Line (from 3rd January 2022)
- Swansea to Shrewsbury (09:28 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
- Swansea to Shrewsbury (09:12 Saturday). Additional service.
- Shrewsbury – Swansea (05:56 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
Cambrian Coast Line
- Barmouth – Machynlleth (06:45 Monday to Saturday. Additional service.
- Cambrian Coast Line (mid-morning services on Sunday). Resumption of services.
Major engineering work is continuing on the Barmouth Viaduct until Wednesday 29 December. As a result, a rail replacement bus service will run between Machynlleth and Pwllheli.
Wrexham Central – Bidston
- Wrexham General – Bidston (12:34). Train service resumes.
- Wrexham General – Bidston (13:34 Tuesday to Thursday). Train service resumes.
- Wrexham Central – Bidston (21.56 Monday to Saturday). Train service resumes.
- Bidston – Wrexham Central (22:57 Monday to Saturday). Train service resumes.
Cheltenham Spa and Gloucester
- Cheltenham Spa – Cardiff Central (05:37 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
- Cardiff Central – Gloucester (23:20 Monday to Friday). Additional service.
Rail Replacement Bus Services:
- Radyr – Merthyr Tydfil / Aberdare / Treherbert (from approx. 19:30 until 24th March 2022).
The new timetables will remain in place until May 15 2022, when we expect to add additional services into timetables ahead of the summer tourist routes.
The Capacity Checker tool uses usage data captured anonymously on trains, which requires a week of data before it is able to predict usage on the new or amended services. So, for the first week of the new timetables, some services may flag ‘grey’ for no data available during this initial period.
