How the Metro transformation works will affect your journey plans in May 2025
Metro is being purpose built for Wales’ future. It will be a modern, efficient and sustainable way to travel but there may be temporary periods of change to your journey plans while be build it. Where possible we’re scheduling the transformation work to take place during less busy times to minimise disruption. We’re offering connections between rail services and bus services.
Rail replacement bus services
We’re always looking at improving customer experience and your honest feedback on the survey will help us shape our rail replacement services in the future.
Service change | Rhymney - Caerphilly - Cardiff Central
Travelling on the Rhymney line April - December 2025?
We’ll be carrying out engineering work as part of the South Wales Metro, with various late evening, weekend, and weekday closures planned during this period.
Check your journey before you travel.
From 24 March, all Caerphilly - Penarth services will run direct between Caerphilly and Cardiff Queen Street as a trial, to help alleviate disruption in the area. If travelling to Lisvane, Llanishen or Heath High Level, please check your journey on the customer information screens.


May
Cardiff Central - Radyr via Ninian Park | Saturday 03 May - Monday 05 May, all day
Cardiff Central - Cardiff Bay, all day | Saturday 10 May - Sunday 25 May:
-
Saturday 10 May 1, 3
-
Sunday 11 May 3
-
Monday 12 May - Saturday 17 May 1, 3
-
Sunday 18 May 2, 3
-
Monday 19 May - Thursday 22 May 1, 3
-
Friday 23 May - Sunday 25 May 2
-
Rail replacement service morning and late night.
-
Rail replacement service all day.
-
Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus Baycar service 6.

Cardiff Central - Radyr via Llandaf | Sunday 11 May, all day
Trains to / from Merthyr and Treherbert diverted via the City Line and run non–stop between Radyr and Cardiff Central.
Reduced services between Pontypridd and Cardiff Central:
When the Cardiff Bay line is closed, trains between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay will not operate. Please use other services running between Pontypridd and Cardiff Queen Street or Cardiff Central.

Cardiff Central - Radyr via Llandaf | Sunday 18 May, all day
Trains to / from Merthyr and Treherbert diverted via the City Line and run non–stop between Radyr and Cardiff Central.
Reduced services between Pontypridd and Cardiff Central:
When the Cardiff Bay line is closed, trains between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay will not operate. Please use other services running between Pontypridd and Cardiff Queen Street or Cardiff Central.

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.
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.