WEST WALES has always been known for its picturesque landscapes and rich history. But for the regular train commuters and enthusiasts of this region, the current state of train services is nothing short of a nightmare.

Recent changes to the train schedules, primarily on the Carmarthen to Milford Haven line, have brought to light severe operational issues. Commuters have found themselves having to swap trains unexpectedly at Swansea and Cardiff. Just last week, a 197 train, the latest addition to the fleet, was not given clearance to travel up to Carmarthen, causing further inconvenience to travelers.

One commuter noted an instance where the train from Milford arrived in Cardiff just two minutes before the Manchester train’s departure. But according to the rules of the journey planner, a two-minute gap isn’t recognised as a valid connection, necessitating at least a seven-minute buffer. This resulted in an hour-long wait for the next Manchester train.

While the introduction of the 197s is understood to be in stages, as they get delivered, lines cleared, and crews trained, the lack of communication from Transport for Wales (TfW) to the public has been strikingly evident. There are growing concerns about why the line clearances are happening in stages and why there was no prior information about the decrease in service levels, leading to longer travel durations and lesser quality trains. There’s also the perplexing question of why the trains aren’t connecting efficiently, as per the journey planner’s standards.

The new trains, which have only been cleared up to Carmarthen, have been a letdown for many. “The new trains are a bit subpar,” commented a traveler who took a recent trip to Cardiff. The Milford and Fishguard services are now operating only as a shuttle until these trains receive the green light to operate in the farther west regions, which is anticipated to be in December.

Furthermore, the sudden withdrawal of the Class 175s without a proper replacement has also been a bone of contention. Questions have arisen about why these trains, which were rented, aren’t being replaced temporarily with long-distance 158s, which offer greater comfort and higher speed.

The situation has taken a toll on many, including those with invisible disabilities. A recent incident highlighted a lady from Milford facing significant anxiety challenges due to the ongoing disruptions. The on-ground staff, while doing their best to assist, appeared equally clueless about the abrupt changes.

Transport for Wales’s current approach, which seems to be “take it or leave it”, has not been received well by the local community. While the region hopes for a brighter future with improved train services, the current “temporary inconvenience” needs to be addressed with urgency and better communication.

When contacted by The Herald, a local and train enthusiast, suggested that reaching out to TfW might provide more insights. “At present, TfW seems to be annoying the locals with their silence. With a bit of intelligence, they could sell a very interesting promotional story of temporary inconvenience for a brighter future. So why don’t they?”

It remains to be seen how TfW will address these growing concerns, but one thing is clear – the passengers of West Wales deserve better.

Transport for Wales have been asked to comment