Plans unveiled to increase North Wales train services by 50 per cent

Cabinet secretary for economy, transport and North Wales, Ken Skates MS, shared the plans during a visit to Flint railway station, which is undergoing its own “full refresh”, today (August 28).

In 2026, Transport for Wales (TfW) will increase rail capacity by 40 per cent, with 50 per cent more timetabled services.

This will be supported by a £800million investment in new trains, and the recruitment of additional drivers and rail crew.

Changes at a number of level crossings are required to be able to operate these additional services on the line.

To support this, Network Rail and TfW are jointly undertaking development work to close four level crossings along the North Wales mainline.

Proposals include a temporary footbridge, and in future, a permanent, accessible footbridge near Pensarn, closing two footpath crossings.

A similar approach will be implemented at Prestatyn, where two nearby crossings will be closed and a temporary speed restriction removed.

Meanwhile, Network Rail and TfW are continuing to engage with stakeholders and the community on the permanent closure of a footpath crossing on the branch line in Deganwy.

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Plans for new bridge to replace level crossings in Abergele

Ken Skates MS at Flint railway station (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Skates said: “We hope to make rail travel far more desirable and appropriate for people’s busy lives.

“With the increase of 50 per cent in the number of services across North Wales, we’ll have, effectively, four trains an hour operating across the region.

“It’s about making sure people can essentially turn up and go, and better connecting communities with major employment sites in North Wales and in the north west of England.

“Rail connectivity is absolutely vital in driving prosperity.”

The aforementioned temporary works at numerous North Wales railway stations will be carried out “in a very short space of time”, Mr Skates said, with the plan for the new and increased timetable to launch in May 2026.

He said this is a “very ambitious but deliverable time frame”, and added that he is also “really conscious” of the issues regarding overcrowding on trains in North Wales.

Ken Skates MS (right) at Flint railway station (Image: Newsquest)

These new trains being built will be “incredibly advanced”, and he added that TfW is “improving quite considerably” in terms “convenience, punctuality and comfort”.

Mr Skates said: “As a result of the £800m that Welsh Government is investing in new trains, we’re increasing the number of train carriages from about 270 to over 470 – that’s a huge increase in the number of trains operating on our lines

“There are still a huge number of new trains being built that will be used to generate greater capacity, to be able to move people more comfortably. So, it is being addressed, and is happening at pace now.”

At Flint railway station, the cabinet secretary saw numerous upgrades that are being delivered, including upgrades to shelters, waiting rooms, and toilet facilities.

A new seating area is being installed, as is a fully accessible footbridge, which will provide step-free access at Flint for the first time.

He was joined on his visit to the railway station by secretary of state for Wales, Jo Stevens; MP for Clwyd East, Becky Gittins; MP for Alyn and Deeside, Mark Tami; and MS for North Wales, Carolyn Thomas.

(L-R) Carolyn Thomas MS, Ken States MS, Jo Stevens MP, Becky Gittins MP, Mark Tami MP (Image: Newsquest)

Jo Stevens added: “Working alongside Welsh Government, we are determined to make major improvements to rail services right across Wales.

“The unlocking of increased rail capacity in North Wales is just the beginning and we will continue to work together to transform services for passengers for generations to come.”

Marie Daly, chief customer and culture officer at TfW, said: "TfW is continuing to invest and transform rail services in Wales and the Borders and these future changes will help us further improve the customer experience.

"We'll be able to increase connectivity and offer more rail services for the people of North Wales."

Flint railway station (Image: Newsquest)

Emma Osborn, passenger strategy director for Wales and Borders at Network Rail, said: “We look forward to working closely with Denbighshire and Conwy’s councils, residents and others to improve safety on the railway and also deliver timetable improvements for our communities in North Wales.

“We welcome the cabinet secretary’s visit to Flint station today, and his continued support for these opportunities.”