Christmas Eve trains between Wrexham and Bidston cancelled due to ‘shortage of train crew’

A lack of train crew has led to most of the train services on the Wrexham to Bidston line being cancelled today.

Transport for Wales website states there is “severe disruption” due to a “shortage of train crew.”

Coaches have been brought in to replace trains.

According the the TfW website the following trains, which all call at Shotton have been cancelled:

15:32 Bidston to Wrexham Central due 16:32

16:30 Wrexham Central to Bidston due 17:31

17:45 Bidston to Wrexham Central due 18:46

In anticipation of disruption over the Christmas period TfW said on Friday:

“This Christmas some of our train services may be subject to short notice changes and occasionally be provided by replacement bus transport.

As always, please ensure you check before you travel over the coming days and particularly in early January 2019 as many commuters return after the holiday season.”

The train operator said last week it was moving to a “Delay Repay” scheme to compensate passengers for unexpected delays and cancellations.

Rail users who experience a delay or cancellation on a TfW service can claim through the new scheme.

Compensation will now be based on the time the customer should have arrived at their final destination station, when they have been delayed by 30 minutes or more.

The improved scheme will make it easier for all TfW rail passengers to claim compensation through a wider choice of repayment options, including bank transfer, Paypal and charity donation.

Passengers have been promised a quicker response to their claim, as claims will now start to be processed within 48 hours of receipt TfW has said.