Metro Transformation Work: changes to train services

How it will affect your journey plans

While we build this better transport network over the next few years, it may mean temporary periods of change to your journey plans. Where possible we are scheduling the transformation work to take place during less busy times to minimise disruption and offering connections between rail services and bus services.

Timetables are being updated weekly due to coronavirus, please check before you travel.

You must wear a face covering on public transport and at stations, put it on before travelling unless you’re exempt. Please be respectful, not everyone can wear a face covering. For guidance visit trc.cymru/face-coverings.

Follow any local travel guidance (currently in place in the boroughs of Caerphilly, Merthyr and Rhondda Cynon Taff).
New local lockdown restrictions are in place affecting Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf council areas. The Welsh Government has tightened coronavirus laws across these areas to prevent the virus spreading .

Last updated: 22 September 2020

Metro transformation work: phase one

03 August – May 2021

The major part of this phase starts on Monday 3 August 2020 with improvement work taking place on the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines from Radyr station northwards.

The work will take place late evening and overnight Sundays through to Thursdays during this period, closing this part of the network from 2000 to 0500.

Bus services will replace rail services to and from our bus/rail inter-change hub at Radyr station.
The normal train timetable will continue to run between Cardiff Central and Radyr until close of service.
Early morning train services will not be affected and will run as usual.

Other changes to services in 2020

Sunday 18 October until 1230 – buses replace trains between Cardiff Central and Pontypridd
Sunday 25 October until 1200 - Aberdare, Merthyr and Treherbert services will be diverted around the City line with buses between Cardiff Central and Radyr for Cardiff Queen St, Cathay and llandaff.
Saturday 31 October – Sunday 1 November – buses replace trains between Abercynon – Aberdare and Abercynon – Merthyr Tydfil
Sunday 8 November until 1025 - buses replace trains between Pontypridd and Radyr
Sunday 15 November until 1000 – buses replace trains between Pontypridd and Radyr

Travel Advice FAQs

What work will be undertaken during this period?

A whole package of works is planned including track and signalling work along with general maintenance.
Find out all about Metro here.

When will the revised timetables be in online booking systems?

Due to the Coronavirus situation, we are currently running a reduced amended timetable with train timetables being uploaded into online ticket booking systems a week in advance. Please check your journey plans before you travel.

What will I expect when I arrive at the Radyr station inter-change hub?

Radyr station will act as the main inter-change hub between rail and bus services. Customer service teams will be at hand at Radyr station to direct customers to and from the inter-change hub situated in the adjacent car park. Road transport has been arranged to link in with train services to keep wait times to a minimum. Toilet and shelter facilities will be available.

Where will I be picked up or dropped off at my local station?

Most bus service pick up / drop up points are situated outside the station. They will be clearly signposted but you can check out the location of your rail replacement bus stop here (choose your station then Car Park Information) or on the Useful Information Poster at your station.

I usually take my bike on the train as I need it for onwards travel – can I take it on the bus service?

Normally bikes are not permitted on rail replacement bus services however where possible bikes may be carried dependent on the driver’s discretion and space available. Any bikes carried on our bus services is at your own risk and Transport for Wales cannot accept responsibility for any damages.

Can I take my dog on the bus service?

Normally dogs are not permitted on rail replacement bus services except guide dogs.

Can you take prams on the bus service?

Prams are allowed however we ask that they are folded up before boarding.

How much extra time will the bus service leg of my journey add to my overall journey?

For the exact times you will need to check your specific journey plans but here’s a guide for some key journeys. These are based on average times for the time of night travelled.

Route	Approx bus service times
Radyr - Pontypridd	00:35 hrs
Radyr - Merthyr Tydfil	01:20hrs
Radyr - Aberdare	01:20hrs
Radyr – Treherbert	01:25 hrs

Can I buy a ticket on the bus?

There are no ticket purchasing facilities on board buses. Tickets must be bought before boarding a bus at your local booking office, ticket machines, on-line using our journey planner or from our app.

I am a wheelchair user, can I access the rail replacement bus service?

The buses are wheelchair accessible with low loading floors. For advice and to book assistance in advance call our Passenger Assist team 03330 050 501.

Future Improvement Work

For planned improvement works across our network that can affect the timetable please visit this page.

Planned improvement work