Transport for Wales (TfW) has cancelled all trains along two busy routes due to the severe weather forecast, as extreme heat warnings are in place across Wales from Monday, June 22, until Thursday, June 25. Great Western Railway (GWR) has also urged customers to travel only if essential on Wednesday and Thursday.
Cancelled Routes and Shuttle Services
Due to the forecasted severe weather, TfW cancelled rail services between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay on Monday from 5am until 11.59pm. Additionally, trains in both directions between Heath Low Level and Penarth are cancelled from 5am on Monday until 8pm on Saturday, June 27.
While services are suspended, a shuttle will operate serving Coryton, Whitchurch, Rhiwbina, Birchgrove, Ty Glas, and Heath Low Level in both directions. Passengers travelling towards Cardiff Central or Rhymney should change at Heath Low Level and walk to Heath High Level for connecting train services.
GWR Service Amendments and Ticket Flexibility
GWR confirmed that they will amend services running at the hottest times of the day, but the correct timetable will not be shown until the day of travel. These changes will result in fewer trains and slightly longer journey times during the warmest periods. To ease disruption, ticket restrictions for Wednesday and Thursday have been relaxed; tickets for those days can be used on Monday, Tuesday, and up to and including Friday.
National Rail Advice and Safety Measures
National Rail has warned that heat can cause overhead lines to expand and sag, line-side fires, and rails to buckle. Speed restrictions may also be imposed, leading to delays or cancellations. Passengers are advised to check before travelling, allow extra time, carry water, and seek assistance from station staff if feeling unwell.
Network Rail Performance Director Daryn McCombe said: "We want to keep our customers safe during this period of extreme heat, which is why we are taking the precautionary step of amending services at the hottest times of day. We know this is disruptive and we're sorry for the inconvenience it will cause, but customer safety must come first. We'd encourage everyone planning to travel on Wednesday and Thursday to travel earlier in the week or later, allow extra time and bring water with them."
