News

Seventy percent of Transport for Wales services now running on new trains

Published

7 months ago

May 12, 2025

Timetable changes and station upgrades from 18 May 2025

FROM Sunday 18 May, Transport for Wales (TfW) will implement new rail timetables across its network, with 70% of services now being operated by brand-new trains.

The rollout includes the continued introduction of Class 197 and Class 231 trains, and later this summer, the new tri-mode Class 756 fleet will begin operating on the Coryton and Penarth lines. These changes form part of the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment in modernising the Wales and Borders network.

TfW is urging all passengers to check their journey details carefully, as even regular travellers may be affected by changes to departure times or platform allocations.

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at TfW, said:
“We’re pleased to be delivering a number of small but important changes across our network that we believe will make a real difference to our customers. These include later services on busy routes, longer trains to popular holiday destinations over the summer, and the continued rollout of new trains.

“It’s always important to double-check your journey details—especially if you travel the same route every day—as services may now run at slightly different times. The same applies to those making connections with other operators.”

New platform at Aberdare to boost future capacity

Also from 18 May, a second platform will open at Aberdare station, located just south of the main platform and directly opposite the Sobell Leisure Centre. The new platform will be used for arriving services only. Passengers departing Aberdare towards Cardiff should continue to use Platform 1.

The platform forms part of wider infrastructure upgrades to support the South Wales Metro. A new track loop has also been installed, which will eventually enable services between Aberdare and Cardiff to run up to four times an hour when the tram-train fleet is fully operational.

New integrated ticketing options for rural routes

In a further move to improve connectivity, customers will now be able to buy combined rail and bus tickets via Transport for Wales’ retail channels.

T6 (Swansea to Brecon): Customers can travel between Ystradgynlais or Brecon and the wider rail network using a combined ticket with connections at Neath.

T10 (Bangor to Corwen): Combined tickets will also be available for travel between Capel Curig or Corwen and other destinations, with rail connections at Bangor.

Passengers are advised to use the TfW website or app to check up-to-date journey information and explore new travel options.

Community

Community gathers to remember Corrina Baker

Published

3 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Lanterns and balloons released in emotional acts of remembrance

FAMILY, friends and members of the local community came together to remember Corrina Baker at a series of moving events held across west Wales this week.

Corrina’s funeral took place on Monday (Dec 15), a month after her death, with a public service held at St Mary’s Church. Mourners lined the route as her coffin was carried on its final journey in an elegant horse-drawn carriage, before a private cremation later took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium in Narberth.

Later that evening, shortly after 6:00pm, friends and relatives gathered at the Quayside in Cardigan for the first of two acts of remembrance to celebrate her life. Lanterns were lit and released into the night sky above the town as some of Corrina’s favourite songs were played.

On Tuesday afternoon (Dec 16), a second tribute was held near the location where Corrina was found. Twenty-one pink balloons — one for each year of her life — were released into a clear blue sky, each carrying personal messages in her memory.

Floral tributes continue to be laid at the Netpool, while a GoFundMe appeal set up in Corrina’s memory has raised more than £2,300. She has been described by those who knew her as “funny and bright”.

Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ms Baker’s death is ongoing. A 29-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while inquiries continue.

(Photos: Stuart Ladd/Herald)

Community

Six untaxed vehicles seized in Milford Haven police operation

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX untaxed and abandoned vehicles were seized during a joint roads policing operation in Milford Haven on Tuesday morning.

Officers from the Milford Haven Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Team (NPPT) worked alongside the Pembrokeshire Roads Policing Team as part of targeted enforcement across the town.

In addition to the vehicle seizures, a number of traffic offence reports were issued to drivers during the operation.

Police said the action formed part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and tackle vehicle-related offences in the Milford Haven area.

Community

Candlelit carol service brings community together in Milford Haven

Published

4 hours ago

December 17, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST KATHARINE and St Peter’s Church in Milford Haven hosted its annual Candlelit Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, bringing together members of the community for a traditional celebration of Christmas.

The service featured readings from the Mayor of Milford Haven, representatives of the Soroptimists, Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society, the Headteacher and Head Prefects of Milford Haven School, Milford Haven Town Band, and NCI Wooltack Point.

Music for the evening was provided by organist Seimon Morris, Milford Haven Town Band and the Milford Haven Cluster Band, whose performances added to the atmosphere of the candlelit service.

The Friends of St Katharine and St Peter’s Church thanked all those involved and wished the community a happy Christmas.