Enhanced Rail Services for North Wales
Passengers across North Wales are set to experience a significant improvement in rail services as Transport for Wales (TfW) introduces a new timetable. This major change aims to increase capacity and provide more frequent train services, making travel more convenient for residents and visitors alike.
Summer Services Expansion
In West Wales, additional trains will operate during the summer months, including on holiday routes and on Sundays. These changes are designed to support the local tourism economy by offering more options for travelers visiting the region.
Increased Capacity on Key Routes
Services on the North Wales Coast Line are expected to increase by around 50%. This enhancement supports the growing demand for sustainable travel while strengthening connections between communities. The expansion of services also helps to reduce congestion and improve journey times for passengers.
New Direct Train Services
Starting next month, direct trains from Llandudno to Liverpool will be introduced, providing a more straightforward travel option for commuters and tourists. Additionally, key changes to the timetable include:
- Trains from Manchester Airport to Llandudno will now serve Holyhead instead, improving links to Northwest England and enhancing ferry connections to Ireland from Manchester.
- The separate Wrexham - Chester and Chester - Crewe hourly services are being combined into one through service.
- The Liverpool - Chester service will be extended to Llandudno, offering new direct travel opportunities.
- The Birmingham - North Wales service (including from Birmingham International Airport) - currently every two hours - will operate to and from Llandudno Junction, not Holyhead.
- A new service pattern will improve commuting options to Holyhead and Bangor, supporting local employment and economic growth.
Improved Station Access
Valley station will become a compulsory call on all relevant services, helping to give customers greater confidence in traveling from this stop. This change ensures that passengers can rely on consistent service at this key location.
Safety Improvements
Supporting the increase in services, Network Rail is installing new footbridges at Prestatyn and Pensarn to replace high-risk level crossings. These improvements will provide a safe and step-free route across the railway, enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Introduction of Pay As You Go (PAYG)
The timetable change coincides with the introduction of pay as you go (PAYG) in North Wales on 18 May. The tap-in tap-out contactless payment method will cover 15 stations between Wrexham General and Bidston, offering a more flexible and convenient way to travel.
PAYG builds on its successful rollout in South East Wales and will make rail travel simpler and more accessible, ensuring customers always pay the best value fare.
Statements from Officials
Colin Lea, TfW Planning and Performance Director for Transport for Wales, said: "The new timetable will bring more frequent trains and better connections for our customers in North and West Wales. These changes represent a significant step forward, with a simpler, more consistent timetable and increased capacity across some of our busiest routes. Alongside the introduction of pay as you go, we’re making it easier than ever for people to choose rail and travel sustainably."
Safety Remains a Priority
Safety remains a shared priority for Transport for Wales and Network Rail. Ahead of the North Wales Coast timetable uplift, Network Rail has delivered a series of level crossing safety improvements, including temporary closures and diversion routes at Sandy Lane and Beverley Drive, seasonal crossing stewards at Pen Uchaf and Ty Gwyn, new Miniature Stop Lights at Flint Marsh, and further upgrades at Stokyn Lodge and Fishpool Farm crossings.
With more frequent services operating across the network, customers and the public are reminded to take extra care at level crossings.
Nick Millington, Network Rail route director, said: "We’ve been working hard for 18 months to prepare the railway to deliver these additional services, which support more low carbon journeys, better connectivity for employment and tourism helping local economies grow. Safety remains our priority as we support these welcomed changes across North and West Wales. With more trains running, we’re asking everyone to stay alert, particularly at level crossings, and to take extra care when near the railway. By working together with Transport for Wales and our passengers, we can ensure the network remains safe and reliable for everyone."
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