TfW to trial Direct service to North Wales for World Cup play-offs

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Transport for Wales (TfW) will trial a late-night direct rail service from Cardiff to Holyhead following Wales’ World Cup play-off fixtures in March.

For the first time, a dedicated 23:00 service will operate from Cardiff to Holyhead after each of the two home fixtures, allowing supporters to travel home the same night rather than stay overnight.

The trial will run after the following matches, which are expected to sell out:

Thursday 26 March: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tuesday 31 March: Wales v Italy or Northern Ireland

TfW has previously provided post-event services to Wrexham and Chester, but the extension of a direct late-night service to Holyhead is intended to remove one of the main barriers for supporters travelling long distances after evening kick-offs.

The service has been developed following customer feedback and in collaboration with Network Rail, which agreed to adjust planned engineering work, extend signal box opening hours and provide additional train crew and fleet resources.

Georgina Wills, Customer Delivery & Events Planning Manager, said: “We’ve listened to our passengers, and we know that getting home to North Wales following a late kick-off has been a challenge in the past.

“By working with our partners at Network Rail, we are proud to trial this direct 23:00 service to Holyhead to ensure fans get home safely.

While this is currently a trial, we want to see it succeed and encourage fans to take advantage of the service and travel with us.”

Rachel Heath, Operations Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders Route, said, “We’re pleased to be working closely with Transport for Wales to help make this trial service possible for football fans travelling to and from North Wales.

“By adjusting planned engineering activity, extending signal box opening hours and ensuring the right resources are in place, we’re supporting safe and reliable late-night travel following major national events.

“This collaboration shows how we can respond to feedback and make the railway work better for passengers when demand is highest.”

Macsen Jones, FAW Fan Engagement Executive, added: “We are pleased that TfW has chosen to trial this service. Throughout fan consultations and feedback, this route has been consistently identified as one that would greatly assist supporters in returning home to North Wales after matches.

“We value TfW’s collaborative approach and their commitment to working with us to ensure fans enjoy a positive and seamless travel experience when attending games.”