How the Metro transformation works will affect your journey plans between January and February 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.

January

  • Cardiff Central - Caerphilly | Sunday 19 January
    • Caerdydd Canolog - Caerffili | Cardiff Central - Caerphilly
  • Cardiff Central - Penarth, Barry Island, Bridgend | Sunday 19 January

    • Also, rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus services 92, 93 and 94 between Cardiff Central and Penarth.

    • Caerdydd Canolog - Penarth, Ynys y Barri, Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr | Cardiff Central - Penarth, Barry Island, Bridgend
  • Cardiff Central - Radyr via Fairwater | Sunday 19 January

    • Services 61, 62, 63 to and from Cardiff. Please check your journey on cardiffbus.com.

    • Caerdydd Canolog - Radur trwy Y Tyllgoed | Cardiff Central - Radyr via Fairwater
  • Cardiff Queen Street station | Major engineering work Friday 31 January - Sunday 02 February

    • Buses replace trains

      • Cardiff Central - Radyr via Llandaf
        Trains to / from Merthyr and Treherbert diverted via the City Line and run non-stop between Radyr and Cardiff Central

      • Cardiff Queen St - Cardiff Bay
        Also, rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus Baycar.

        • Extends Monday 03 - Sunday 09 February (until 1800 each day)

          Rail replacement services provided until 0915 each day until Saturday 08 February.

          Ticket acceptance on Cardiff Bus Baycar until 1830.

      • Cardiff Central - Penarth
        Friday 31 January and Saturday 01 February only. Also, rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus services 92, 93 and 94 between Cardiff Central and Penarth.

      • Cardiff Central - Rhymney

    • No rail replacement bus service

      • Cardiff Central - Coryton
        Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus services 21, 23 and 27 between Cardiff Central and Coryton.

    • Ticket acceptance

    • The ticket office at Cardiff Queen Street station remains open throughout.

    • The rail replacement bus stop is located:
      Local bus stop on Dumfries place. To Cardiff Central / Cardiff Bay, bus stop HC in front of the car park.To Cathays / Heath, bus stop HU, same side as Sainsburys.

    • Map Caerdydd Heol y Frenhines | Cardiff Queen Street map
    •  
    • Map rhwydwaith Llinellau’r Cymoedd | Valley Lines network map
  • 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.

Planned improvement work

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