A DEDICATED train service to North Wales from Cardiff will be trialled following Wales’ World Cup play-off fixtures in March.
For the first time, a 11pm service will run from Cardiff to Holyhead after Wales’ games against Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 26, and (if they beat Bosnia and Herzegovina) Italy or Northern Ireland on March 31.
The Transport for Wales-operated services will include stops at Chirk (1.28am), Ruabon (1.35am), Wrexham General (1.41am), Chester (2am), Shotton (2.12am), Flint (2.19am), Prestatyn (2.31am), Rhyl (2.37am), Abergele and Pensarn (2.43am), Colwyn Bay (2.51am), Llandudno Junction (2.59am), Conwy (3.02am), Penmaenmawr (3.08am), Llanfairfechan (3.12am), Bangor (3.21am), Llanfairpwll (3.29am), Bodorgan (3.39am), Ty Croes (3.43am), Rhosneigr (3.47am), and Valley (3.52am), before arriving at Holyhead at 4.02am.
Both fixtures at the Cardiff City Stadium are expected to be sell-outs as Craig Bellamy’s side look to secure their place in this summer’s tournament in America, Canada and Wrexham.
This service follows customer feedback and adjustments to planned engineering work, an extension of signal box opening hours, and additional resourcing for train crew and fleet.
Georgina Wills, Transport for Wales’ customer delivery and events planning manager, said: “We’ve listened to our passengers, and we know that getting home to North Wales following a late kick-off has been a challenge in the past.
“By working with our partners at Network Rail, we are proud to trial this direct 11pm service to Holyhead to ensure fans get home safely.
“While this is currently a trial, we want to see it succeed and encourage fans to take advantage of the service and travel with us.”
Rachel Heath, operations director at Network Rail Wales and borders route, said: “We’re pleased to be working closely with Transport for Wales to help make this trial service possible for football fans travelling to and from North Wales.
“By adjusting planned engineering activity, extending signal box opening hours and ensuring the right resources are in place, we’re supporting safe and reliable late-night travel following major national events.
“This collaboration shows how we can respond to feedback and make the railway work better for passengers when demand is highest.”
Macsen Jones, FAW fan engagement executive, added: “We are pleased that TfW has chosen to trial this service.
“Throughout fan consultations and feedback, this route has been consistently identified as one that would greatly assist supporters in returning home to North Wales after matches.
“We value TfW’s collaborative approach and their commitment to working with us to ensure fans enjoy a positive and seamless travel experience when attending games.”
