Written Statement: Transport for Wales May 2026 Timetable Change

Transport for Wales are delivering generational change to rail services in North Wales with one of the most significant timetable improvements for passengers coming this May. Delivered through our Network North Wales programme Transport for Wales will increase the number of rail services on the North Wales Coast Line by around 50%.

This will significantly improve the capacity, reliability, and connectivity of rail services across the region. From 17 May 2026, the timetable will be completely redesigned across North Wales with the introduction of a standard hourly pattern, meaning more trains will run at the same time each hour to make journey planning easier for passengers.

For North Wales the following key benefits and changes will be delivered:

• The introduction of a new hourly Llandudno to Liverpool service 
• The extension of the hourly service from Manchester Airport to Holyhead, improving links across North Wales and enhancing ferry connections to Ireland.
• The delivery of an hourly Wrexham - Crewe hourly service by extending the current Wrexham to Chester train.
• A new service pattern to improve commuting options to Holyhead and Bangor will be introduced supporting local employment and economic growth, with Valley station become a compulsory call on all relevant services.

The timetable change will also see the first phase of the rollout of Pay-As-You-Go ticketing in North Wales, another benefit from our Network North Wales programme. Passengers using 15 stations from Wrexham General to Bidston will be the first to benefit from this innovative and convenient way to travel.

The May 2026 timetable change will also deliver increased summer services between Carmarthen and Tenby with new trains entering into service on the Cambrian line later this year.