Transport for Wales posts biggest punctuality rise in UK
Transport for Wales has recorded some of the strongest punctuality improvements of any UK rail operator, according to the latest performance statistics published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
The quarterly figures, covering July to September 2025, show TfW achieved a 4.9 percentage point rise in the Time to 3 punctuality measure, taking it to 84.1%.
This was the biggest improvement of all 24 train companies, ahead of East Midlands Railway, which posted a 1.4 point increase.
TfW has now climbed to 12th place nationally for punctuality, continuing an upward trend seen in the previous quarter when it also led the UK for improvement.
The company says the gains come despite a busy summer with significant additional demand, including major events such as Oasis’ reunion concerts. Customer satisfaction figures from Transport Focus also show TfW scoring 88%, up from 84% in June, with particularly strong results for value for money, onboard crowding and personal safety.
Reliability has also improved. TfW’s cancellation rate dropped by 1.4 percentage points, the fourth-best improvement in the UK, despite disruption caused by cable theft on the Rhymney Valley line in September.
Chief Operating Officer Marie Daly said the gains reflect focused work across TfW, Amey Infrastructure Wales and Network Rail to reduce delays and identify recurring performance issues. She added that the rollout of TfW’s £800m new fleet will support further improvements.
However, while the ORR figures show clear progress overall, some North Wales passengers say their local experience does not always reflect the national trend.
Rail users on the Wrexham–Bidston line have reported persistent cancellations and delays, with the Wrexham Bidston Rail Users’ Association warning earlier this year that performance on the route remained “significantly inferior” to comparable corridors.
TfW said reliability problems affecting its Class 230 fleet had contributed to disruption, but that the route recently recorded its best punctuality score in 12 months.
The company says work is ongoing with Network Rail to improve resilience across the network, including autumn mitigation measures such as vegetation clearance, specialist track cleaning and contingency planning for severe weather.
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