Penarth residents are ‘deeply frustrated’ by train delays

The train services from Penarth to Cardiff Central have been impacted by reduced services for the electrification of the Coryton line. 

If you have been trying to get to work, you have most likely seen bus replacements or the word ‘delayed’ in red text on your Trainline app.  

On October 9, the platform at Dingle Road train station was filled with commuters waiting over half an hour for a train that never arrived. 

A morning train cancellation on the Trainline app (Image: Newsquest/file)

The disruptions have deeply frustrated residents who rely on the train service to get to work.

One resident, Richard Jenkins has ‘given up’ taking the train to work because it is 'not worth the hassle'. 

“I have given up taking the train to work in the morning as they do not go directly to Aber anymore. My other option is Caerphilly, but it's a longer walk at the other end.  

“Also, these only go every 30 mins now so if one is cancelled, which happens all the time, I've an hour wait or jump on another and change at Cardiff.  

Basically, not worth the hassle, the small saving over fuel or the unreliability of the service!” 

The disruption is affecting residents trying to get their connecting trains at Cardiff Central, such as Rebecca Morgan. 

“Unfortunately, the new timetable means minimal time transfer on to the London service at 6.23am.  

“I love the trains but (I’m) really frustrated at the lack of early morning trains and cost as I now have to rely on a taxi,” she said. 

Rhiannon Austen added: “Always blooming cancelled first thing in the morning due to congestion."

Cllr Anthony Ernest, commenting on the issue, said: “Of course – the new route is responsible for many of these delays.  

“Penarth is NOT getting electrification as we are not part of the ‘exciting S Wales Metro’ unfortunately. So, we stick with diesel for now. 

When will the situation improve?

A Transport for Wales (TfW) spokesperson, addressing the recent train disruptions in Penarth, said:

"As part of the South Wales Metro programme, TfW has increased engineering work along the Coryton line in preparation for electrifying the line in early November 2024. 

Penarth services will be temporarily reduced to 2 services per hour, with services at half hour intervals travelling between Penarth, Cardiff and Caerphilly until Sunday 20 October. 

“A rail replacement service is in place with buses running every half an hour. 

“TfW apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this important phase of the South Wales Metro project."