Data released for the first time shows how many services were cancelled in a month
THREE of the 10 worst performing stations for cancelled trains are in Cardiff, according to new data.
Between January 5, 2025 to February 1, 2025, 11.7% of scheduled trains were cancelled at stations in Birchgrove, Rhiwbina and Whitchurch, according to the Office for Rail and Road.
All three Cardiff stations are on the Coryton line, which operates trains Monday to Saturday about every 30 minutes, with no service on Sunday.
The data on the punctuality and reliability of train services was published by the Office for Rail and Road last week, marking the first time the monthly figures were released to the public.
The latest data shows that of the 1,457 trains scheduled to stop at those three Cardiff stations, 170 trains were cancelled.
‘It’s an inconvenience’
“It’s so unreliable,” said Helen, a train passenger who often avoids using Whitchurch station, despite living close by.
She was not surprised that it was among the worst performing in Britain and said that if any service was cancelled, it was usually on the Coryton line.
Helen, who did not want her last name used, relies on trains to travel to work and delays have been frequent since she started her current job five years ago.
This means she opts to travel to Llandaff station instead. “It means I have to drive every day rather than walk,” she said.
Helen said that if trains were running late, they sometimes don’t even stop at Whitchurch. She has even been told to get off the train at a previous station.
Frank Cuthbert only travels on the Coryton line every couple of weeks but is still affected by cancellations.
“It’s an inconvenience when you need to get back home,” he said.
Like Helen, Mr Cuthbert relies on apps to see if trains have been cancelled and often finds that there are delays.
In response, a Transport for Wales spokesperson said: “We would like to apologise to customers on the Coryton line for the recent poor performance levels and cancellations. As services in Wales have improved overall, and new trains have been introduced, we know this is one route that has yet to feel the benefits.
“Brand new trains will be introduced to the line later this year as part of our £800 million investment in our fleet. These will offer greater reliability and capacity improvements.
“Between February and March we have seen improvements and we hope to build on these moving forward.”
Rising number of train cancellations in Wales
The ORR statistics also show that the number of cancellations involving TfW operated trains has risen by 146% over the past five years. In the first quarter of 2020, 1,816 TfW trains were fully cancelled, compared to 4,482 in the last quarter of 2024.
The ORR’s new data on performance at stations will update every four weeks. The Department for Transport said it would be displayed to passengers across England at major stations and most smaller stations. The Government says this will improve transparency and hold train operators to account.
However, as this is a DfT initiative the performance data will not be displayed at stations in Wales.
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: “Transport for Wales supports making performance data widely available. Access to the new portal with station level data is available for all GB stations.
“We’re also updating posters at our stations to provide customers with information about where to find our latest performance data online.
“With respect to the Department for Transport initiative, where our services operate to/from stations in England, we are providing our performance data to be displayed.”
- More information released by the ORR data can be found through their data portal.
