New trains, more staff and level crossing closures planned to increase North Wales rail services

New trains, extra staff and the closure of several level crossings are being planned to increase the frequency of rail services in North Wales.

Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport and the North Wales region, outlined proposals to improve train services in the area during a visit to Flint Station earlier today.

The measures form part of a wider £800m investment by Transport for Wales (TfW) to boost capacity and enhance passenger safety on the North Wales Mainline.

Mr Skates said: “I’m delighted that we now have firm plans in place to deliver this massive increase in rail capacity for North Wales.

“These safety upgrades will enable Transport for Wales to significantly increase connectivity with many more services, offering a real transport choice for communities in North Wales.”

The funding package is expected to deliver a 40 per cent increase in rail capacity, with a corresponding 50 per cent rise in services, according to TfW.

The expansion will be supported by the introduction of new passenger trains and the recruitment of additional drivers and train crew.

As part of the proposals, a series of safety upgrades are planned along the North Wales Mainline.

It includes the closure of four level crossings, which will be replaced by alternative arrangements such as footbridges.

At Pensarn, a temporary footbridge will be installed at first, which will later replaced by a permanent structure.

Similarly, in Prestatyn, two nearby crossings will be closed, and a temporary speed restriction will be removed to improve efficiency.

Consultations are also underway regarding the closure of a footpath crossing the Deganwy branch line.

During his visit, Mr Skates saw a range of improvements being carried out at Flint Station, including new passenger shelters, waiting rooms, toilet facilities, and a new seating area.

A new accessible footbridge is also being installed to provide step-free access at the station for the first time.

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: “Working alongside the Welsh Government, we are determined to make major improvements to rail services right across Wales.

“The unlocking of increased rail capacity in North Wales is just the beginning, and we will continue to work together to transform services for passengers for generations to come.”

Marie Daly, chief customer and culture officer at TfW, said: “TfW is continuing to invest in and transform rail services in Wales and the Borders.

“These future changes will help us further improve the customer experience, increasing connectivity and offering more rail services for the people of North Wales.”

Last month, Ms. Stevens raised doubts over the feasibility of a £1bn plan to electrify the North Wales Mainline due to a lack of funding.

The new Labour UK government is currently reviewing all infrastructure projects due to a £22bn shortfall in public finances.

Although the electrification plan was a key proposal made by the previous Conservative government, no formal development work has been undertaken since 2013.

The funding was expected to come from savings made by cancelling a stretch of the HS2 project between Birmingham and Manchester.

However, without a “remit letter” from the Department for Transport, the project cannot proceed.