Transport for Wales announces 'biggest timetable change for a generation' as more new units enter service

Transport for Wales (TfW) has undertaken what it describes as “the most significant mainline timetable change in a generation”.

The operator has said train times will change significantly from mid-December, with later services from Cardiff Central and Swansea amongst amendments.

TfW has said the rollout of the Class 197s, of which 56 out of a total fleet of 77 are now in service, and the Class 756 ‘tri-mode’ units in South Wales, have allowed for the major changes.

The ‘756s’ began operating on the Aberdare-Merthyr Tydfil via Cardiff route on November 15, with 14 out of the 24 units expected to be carrying passengers by spring.

Changes include two extra Milford Haven services and a more evenly spaced Fishguard Harbour service, which ends a six-hour gap at the latter in the middle of the day.

Maestag services towards Cardiff will now run through to Ebbw Vale instead of Cheltenham, which those to and from the Gloucestershire city only going as far as Cardiff Central.

Calling patterns on some Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly services will change, while some local services between west Wales and Cardiff will use Platform 0 at Cardiff Central.

The latest departure from Swansea to Cardiff will be 2330 as opposed to 2230, while the last train from Cardiff to Maesteg via Bridgend will move back from 2228 to 2324.

Refurbished Class 153s, which can carry up to 12 bikes, will be introduced on the Heart of Wales line, although services along the route between Monday and Saturday are being reduced from five to four, with shorter evening services at either end of the route being withdrawn.

TfW’s Planning and Performance Director, Colin Lea, described the changes as ‘the most significant in a generation’, adding: “We’ve invested £800 million in new trains and now is the time to really make the most of them. We’ve been working towards this timetable for four years and the consistency it will deliver will be a massive improvement for many customers.

“While this is a major change, there are also big improvements planned for the North Wales Coast and Cambrian lines in the next 18 months with newer trains and capacity improvements.” 

Earlier this year a full hourly service along the Cambrian line to Aberystwyth was delayed until 2026 and will only run between March and September.

Class 197s are expected to enter service on the Cambrian in 2025/26 once they are all fitted with the European Train Control System in-cab signalling required to run west of Shrewsbury. Nineteen two-car units, 197022-041 are being fitted with the equipment.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Route Director for Wales & Borders, added: “This timetable change is going to be significant with faster journeys, more frequent train services and more seats across our network.”