Trains from Shotton to Wrexham and Bidston reduced to a 2 hourly service due to

Trains between Wrexham and Bidston which call at Shotton are running on a reduced timetable today due to damaged trains and last months storm ‘Callum.’

In an update on its website today Transport for Wales says:

“We apologise for the current changes to timetabled services and the decreased capacity of our trains. We are doing everything possible to improve this regrettable situation.

Due to continuing problems resulting from storm Callum and damage to wheels caused by seasonal conditions, more trains than usual are currently undergoing repair at Transport for Wales depots.

As a result, an amended timetable will be in operation on Tuesday 20th November 2018.”

Wrexham Central – Bidston

Between 0600 – 1830, trains will run every 2 hours, departing Wrexham Central at 07:32, 09:32, 11:32, 13:32, 15:32, 17:45 and then as per the advertised timetable , departing Bidston at 08:32, 10:32, 12:32, 14:32, 16:32, 18:45 and then as per the advertised timetable.

“Replacement buses will run in lieu of cancelled trains.”

“We’re sorry that over recent weeks too many trains have been cancelled, delayed, or have arrived with fewer carriages than normal.

We know that overcrowding and uncertainty are big challenges for people, and we want to apologise that you haven’t received the service that you deserve and expect.

Safety is our top priority.

Ongoing issues associated with recent storms in combination with ageing trains have led to an unprecedented number of our trains being out of service, and this has meant that we have had to run reduced services across the whole of our network.

36 trains out of a total fleet of 127 are currently under repair.

We are running additional buses to replace services that have been cancelled and to provide extra capacity where we expect trains will be very busy.

This will continue for as long as is needed, but we’re also working hard to safely and effectively return trains back into service.

Our engineers are working around the clock to repair the existing fleet of trains and keep the tracks clear of debris during the blustery and slippery autumn weather.

Our maintenance depots are operating 24-hours a day, and we are working with suppliers to speed up these essential repairs.

We know that you, our customers, deserve better from your rail services in Wales and the Borders, and this is not what you expected from your new operator.

We apologise for the inconvenience and want to reassure you that we are doing all we can to improve service levels as soon as possible.

You can find more information about service disruption and claiming compensation for delays by visiting www.tfwrail.wales

We are at the beginning of a journey to transform rail services in Wales, but change takes time. Thank you for bearing with us.”