What discussions has the Cabinet Minister had with TfW regarding overcrowding on commuter routes, including services operating above advised capacity?
The Welsh Government and Transport for Wales are delivering a substantial programme of fleet renewal and network enhancement across the Wales and Borders rail network. Since 2023, more than 90 new trains have entered service, with further vehicles due to be introduced over the coming year. Once all the new trains have been delivered, TfW will have 485 carriages available compared to the 270 inherited from Arriva Trains Wales.
This includes the introduction of additional Class 197 trains on the Cambrian Line and 36 new tram-trains for the South Wales Metro. These investments will enable longer trains on key routes, increase capacity at the busiest times, and support more frequent services across the network.
The introduction of tram-trains onto the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr routes over the next year will increase capacity on these routes and allow longer modern trains with level boarding to be moved to the Rhymney, Ebbw Vale and Cheltenham services. These changes will see the capacity virtually doubled on the 15.40 Bridgend to Rhymney train, which was recently listed by DfT as one of the ten most overcrowded trains in the UK in 2025.
Alongside these fleet improvements, TfW is continuing to explore further opportunities to increase capacity where demand is greatest. Our investment is delivering more modern, reliable and accessible trains, improving passenger comfort and helping to meet growing demand for rail travel across Wales.