How the Metro transformation works will affect your journey plans between June 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.
Temporary changes due to hot weather
Pontypridd - Cardiff Bay until Saturday 27 June
- After 13:26, Pontypridd - Cardiff Bay services will not run.
- Please use other services and change at Cardiff Queen Street for Cardiff Bay.
Coryton - Cardiff - Penarth | Monday 22 June - Saturday 27 June
- Services will run every 30 minutes between Coryton and Heath Low Level.
- For services into Cardiff, change at Heath Low Level, and use services from Heath High Level*.
- Penarth - Coryton Services will not run.
- Penarth services will be reduced to two services per hour, to and from Caerphilly only.
- Rail tickets accepted on Cardiff Bus service 92, 93 & 94. No rail replacement service.
* The walking route between Heath High Level and Heath Low Level is not fully accessible - if you require assistance please advise the conductor or contact Passenger Assist.
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 / Rhymney / Coryton, local bus stop HU on Dumfries place, same side as Sainsbury’s.
Rail replacement bus services
June
Cardiff Central - Ystrad Mynach | Thursday 25 June, late evening
Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Monday 29 June, late evening
July
Cardiff Central - Ninian Park - Radyr | Thursday 02 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 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.
Pontypridd - Treherbert | Friday 31 July - Thursday 06 August
August
Cardiff Central - Ystrad Mynach | Monday 03 August - Thursday 06 August
Radyr - Treherbert / Aberdare / Merthyr | Friday 07 August - Saturday 15 August
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.
