Will the Welsh Government confirm whether the introduction of Transport for Wales services between Swansea and Bristol will require a reduction in the number, frequency or capacity of services operating on the Marches line, and if so, what reductions are anticipated?
TfW is currently awaiting approval of the access rights for these services from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The Bristol services are included in the planned December 2026 timetable, and TfW has commenced training and assurance work in anticipation of commencing the services in December 2026.
TfW has already provisioned rolling stock for the Bristol service in its plans and there is no impact to planned service frequency or capacity on the Marches line.
All services will include stops at both Newport and Severn Tunnel Junction meaning this service will provide an increase in both capacity and service frequency to these stations.