Storm Barra: Transport for Wales warns commuters to travel only if essential
TRANSPORT for Wales has issued an emergency timetable ahead of Storm Barra, which is expected today.
It will replace the usual timetable until the end of service on Wednesday, December 8 and could be subject to last-minute changes depending on the storm’s impact.
With wind speeds expected to reach 70mph in some parts of Wales, there is a high risk of debris on tracks and trees damaging overhead lines.
The impact of Storm Barra is predicted to be similar to Storm Arwen, which saw around 40 incidents of tracks being blocked by fallen trees and 12 trains damaged, many of which are still under repair.
Network Rail has issued a 40mph restriction on most lines in Wales during the storm to ensure safe travel. Journeys will take longer so delays are to be expected.
Transport for Wales director for planning and performance, Colin Lea, has warned commuters against all but essential travel.
“Customers need to check before travelling on Tuesday and Wednesday. A significant amount of our services will either operate at different times, take much longer to reach destinations, or may not operate at all.
“The safety of our customers is at the heart of everything we do and while we understand this may be inconvenient, intense winds and extreme weather patterns mean we have to make these temporary changes.”
Rachel Heath, head of operations delivery at Network Rail Wales and Borders said: “We are putting speed restrictions in place across many parts of Wales & Borders to keep passengers safe from debris and trees on the line.
“Our dedicated teams of engineers will be working day and night to respond to incidents and keep passengers moving.”
Some passengers were happy with the communication from the trainline. Catherin Thompson, 40 from London said: “The communication on board the train was really good, they let us know that because of the storm there was going to be a 20-minute to 30-minute delay. The train was efficient from London Paddington. I had to change at Redding because if the Storm and the staff were really helpful.”
Others were dissatisfied with the service that they received. Phoebe Reddin, 21 from Cardiff said: “The communication on board the train was really good, they let us know that because of the storm there was going to be a 20-minute to 30-minute delay.
“The train was efficient from London Paddington. I had to change at Redding because if the Storm and the staff were really helpful.”
Tanwen Cray, 21 from Whitchurch said: “The communication on board the train was really good, they let us know that because of the storm there was going to be a 20-minute to 30-minute delay. The train was efficient from London Paddington. I had to change at Redding because if the Storm and the staff were really helpful.”
