Transport for Wales has reported a significant rise in the number of passengers travelling by train to Barry Island in the south of the country.

More than one hundred thousand people caught the train to the Island in July and August, a rise of more than 75% from the fifty-seven thousand journeys during the same period in 2023 the previous year.

The increase follows the introduction of a new timetable in June, which saw new, four-carriage Class 231 trains begin running to Barry and Barry Island.

TfW introduced the new Class 231s to its South Wales Metro in March last year, and now both new and established trains are operating on the line to Barry.

Extra passengers have also travelled to Barry Island in the wake of the BBC confirming in May that its popular television comedy Gavin and Stacey would have its final instalment in a Christmas special this year.

Local businesses cite the ‘Gavin and Stacey effect’ for boosting tourism to the town since the show first aired between 2007 and 2010.

TfW bought the Barry station building, together with Barry Yard, in 2022.

“The rise we’ve seen in people traveling down in Barry Island from this summer to last has been staggering.

“We’ve been able to move some of our brand-new trains down there, offering a significantly better experience and much more capacity than we’ve had before.

“And with Gavin and Stacey coming back for one last episode, it’s clear something quite special is occurring in the area. We’ll hopefully be doing our bit to mark the show’s influence in south Wales soon – watch this space!”

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer, Transport for Wales