How the Metro transformation works will affect your journey plans between July and August 2026
Metro is being purpose built for Wales’ future. It will be a modern, efficient and sustainable way to travel but there may be temporary periods of change to your journey plans while be build it. Where possible we’re scheduling the transformation work to take place during less busy times to minimise disruption. We’re offering connections between rail services and bus services.
Service change
Station closed | Saturday 25 July - Monday 27 July
Cardiff Queen Street Station is closed Saturday 25 July - Monday 27 July and rail replacement services will operate.
The rail replacement bus stop is located:
To Cardiff Central / Cardiff Bay, local bus stop next to the station entrance. To Treherbert / Aberdare / Merthyr Tydfil / Rhymney / Coryton, local bus stop HU on Dumfries place, same side as Sainsbury’s.
Rail replacement bus services
July
Cardiff Central - Pontypridd | Saturday 25 July, late evening
Cardiff Central - Coryton | Saturday 25 July - Monday 27 July, all day
Cardiff Central - Llandaf - Radyr | Saturday 25 July - Monday 27 July
Trains to / from Merthyr Tydfil and Treherbert diverted via the City Line and run non-stop between Radyr and Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Central - Penarth | Saturday 25 July - Monday 27 July, all day
Cardiff Central - Rhymney | Saturday 25 July - Monday 27 July, all day
Cardiff Queen Street - Cardiff Bay | Saturday 25 July - Monday 27 July
Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus Baycar service 6. Rail replacement service morning and late evening.
Reduced services between Pontypridd and Cardiff:
When the Cardiff Bay line is closed, trains between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay will not operate.
Cardiff Central - Llandaf - Treherbert | Sunday 26 July, late evening
Cardiff Central - Pontypridd | Monday 27 July, late evening
Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Tuesday 28 July - Thursday 30 July, late evenings
Pontypridd - Treherbert | Thursday 30 July, late evening
Pontypridd - Treherbert | Friday 31 July - Thursday 06 August
August
Pontypridd - Treherbert | Saturday 01 August, early morning
Cardiff Central - Ystrad Mynach | Monday 03 August - Thursday 06 August
Cardiff Central - Aberdare | Friday 07 August, late evening
Radyr - Treherbert / Aberdare / Merthyr Tydfil | Friday 07 August - Saturday 15 August
Cardiff Central - Aberdare / Merthyr Tydfil | Saturday 08 August, late evening
Cardiff Central - Aberdare / Merthyr Tydfil | Monday 10 August - Saturday 15 August, late evenings
Pontypridd - Treherbert | Sunday 16 August, early morning
Travel advice FAQs
What work will be undertaken during this period?
A whole package of works is planned including track and signalling work along with general maintenance.
Find out all about Metro here.
What will I expect when I arrive at the Radyr station inter-change hub?
Radyr station will act as the main inter-change hub between rail and bus services. Customer service teams will be at hand at Radyr station to direct customers to and from the inter-change hub situated in the adjacent car park. Road transport has been arranged to link in with train services to keep wait times to a minimum. Toilet and shelter facilities will be available.
Where will I be picked up or dropped off at my local station?
Most bus service pick up / drop up points are situated outside the station. They will be clearly signposted but you can check out the location of your rail replacement bus stop here (choose your station then Car Park Information) or on the Useful Information Poster at your station.
I usually take my bike on the train as I need it for onwards travel - can I take it on the bus service?
Normally bikes are not permitted on rail replacement bus services however where possible bikes may be carried dependent on the driver’s discretion and space available. Any bikes carried on our bus services is at your own risk and Transport for Wales cannot accept responsibility for any damages.
Can I take my dog on the bus service?
Normally dogs are not permitted on rail replacement bus services except guide dogs.
Can you take prams on the bus service?
Prams are allowed however we ask that they are folded up before boarding.
How much extra time will the bus service leg of my journey add to my overall journey?
For the exact times you will need to check your specific journey plans but here’s a guide for some key journeys. These are based on average times for the time of night travelled.
| Route | Approx bus service times |
| Radyr - Pontypridd | 00:35 hrs |
| Radyr - Merthyr Tydfil | 01:20hrs |
| Radyr - Aberdare | 01:20hrs |
| Radyr - Treherbert | 01:25 hrs |
Can I buy a ticket on the bus?
There are no ticket purchasing facilities on board buses. Tickets must be bought before boarding a bus at your local booking office, ticket machines, on-line using our journey planner or from our app.
I am a wheelchair user, can I access the rail replacement bus service?
The buses are wheelchair accessible with low loading floors. For advice and to book assistance in advance call our Passenger Assist team 03330 050 501.
Future improvement work
For planned improvement works across our network that can affect the timetable please visit this page.