7.6 million passengers travelled by rail on Transport for Wales (TfW) services between April and June this year.

That is a 27% increase compared to the same period in 2023, when 6 million journeys were made.

TfW put the rise in rail travel down to a number of factors.

These include new services between Ebbw Vale and Newport, alongside the reopened Treherbert to Cardiff line.

Additionally, more frequent services between Wrexham and Bidston have seen an increase in passenger numbers on this route.

A fleet of 57 brand new trains over the past two years has also drawn passengers back to the rails.

Coupled with this modernisation are improvements to punctuality and reliability, as well as changes to make TfW’s fares more user-friendly.

Comparing the period from April to June 2024 to the same time last year, TfW saw 8.1% better punctuality and 3.2% fewer cancellations.

According to official statistics from the government’s Office of Rail and Road, TfW has shown the biggest improvement of any operator in punctuality and reliability over this period.

Cheaper Advance fares and contactless Pay As You Go options have helped to make rail travel easier in the Principality.

In North Wales, services between Chester and Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham International saw the biggest increases in passenger numbers.

The Cardiff to Merthyr route, and services between the capital and Swansea, have seen particular growth.

Part of this increase can also be linked to a number of massive concerts held in Cardiff this spring, by the likes of Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, Pink and the Foo Fighters.

“If you look at the numbers, we’re seeing a rise in lots of different communities, not just one or two areas.  

That’s down to the hard work of so many people to deliver a consistent and reliable service.  

We’re doing what it takes to make the Welsh transport network the best it can be, and it’s encouraging to see more and more people using it for their everyday lives.”

James Price, TfW’s Chief Executive Officer