North Wales Rail Expands Service 50% in May

Transport for Wales adds 50% more trains on North Wales Coast Line starting May 17

North Wales Rail Adds 50% More Trains in May

Rail riders in North Wales will see nearly double the train service starting this spring, transit officials said. Transport for Wales will boost service on the North Wales Coast Line by approximately 50% when the new timetable takes effect May 17, according to Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates. The changes represent one of the most significant service expansions for the region in a generation.

Network Investment Drives Service Expansion

The service boost is part of the broader Network North Wales investment programme, which aims to improve rail capacity, reliability, and connectivity across the region. The Chester to Llandudno Junction corridor is one of the busiest sections of the Wales and Borders rail network, officials said. The timetable redesign covers all routes north and west of Shrewsbury and Crewe, excluding services between Wrexham and Bidston. Transit agencies typically undertake such comprehensive timetable overhauls to better match service levels with ridership demand and operational capacity.

Hourly Pattern Simplifies Travel Planning

The new timetable introduces a standard hourly service pattern between Chester and Llandudno Junction, making journey planning more predictable for riders. West Wales will also see extra trains on busy holiday routes and Sunday service over the summer to support the local tourism economy. However, some direct journeys will no longer operate under the new schedule. Riders making longer trips will need to change trains at key hubs like Chester and Llandudno Junction, officials said.

Pay as You Go Launch Follows Day After

The timetable changes take effect May 17, with phase one of Pay as you Go fare payment launching in North Wales the following day on May 18. The timing coordinates the service expansion with the new contactless payment system rollout. Skates described the changes as fantastic news for passengers, noting they represent almost a doubling of Transport for Wales services on the North Wales Coast Line.

Riders Should Plan for Connection Changes

Passengers who currently use direct services should review their routes before the May 17 changeover, as some trips will require connections at Chester or Llandudno Junction. The hourly service pattern aims to make transfers more convenient with coordinated arrival and departure times at hub stations. Riders can check updated schedules and plan trips with real-time service information through Moovit, which provides journey planning for Transport for Wales routes across the region.