Powys rail services face disruption after mechanical issues

The rail operator announced earlier this month it had temporarily withdrawn a number of its Class 175 trains to allow additional maintenance checks to be carried out after recent mechanical issues.

But Transport for Wales announced this morning that “while it was hoped these units would be back in service by Friday March 10, safety checks are still on-going and as a result disruption is likely to continue for the remainder of the coming week (w/c March 13)”.

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This means those attempting to use the Cambrian Coast line early in the morning towards Barmouth will face disruption – with Transport for Wales warning that the service will be cancelled, with rail replacement buses.

Disruption is likely across the Wales and Borders network, not just on those routes served by the Class 175s, as trains are moved to provide capacity where demand is highest.

Customers are being asked to check before they travel. This includes first and last trains and any ferry connections to ensure sufficient time is allowed.

Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Chief Operations Officer at TfW, said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our priority and it is important that all the necessary checks and repairs have been completed on each of our Class 175 trains before being allowed back into service.

"The Class 175s are maintained on our behalf by CAF at their depot in Chester, and while we have this shortage of rolling stock, we are moving trains around the network to try and minimise the impact on the busiest routes.

“We’re very sorry for any disruption to customers’ journeys while we work to carry out the repairs as quickly as possible.”

Further disruption is set to be caused by industrial action strike action at 14 train operating companies, not including Transport for Wales, on March 16 and 18.

This will mean those travelling on the border based Marches line, which runs from Crewe to Newport via Shrophire and Herefordshire, will face disruption with services terminating at Shrewsbury on these days.

Mr Chaudhry-Van der Velde added that the strike action will "include station staff who are responsible for key operational roles such as train dispatch.

"As a result, we’re not able to provide some services at certain times to stations managed by the affected operators.”