March 30, 2026 - 255 views
Concerns have been raised over upcoming rail timetable changes which will see a reduction in direct train services stopping at Pensarn railway station.
From May, the majority of services travelling between key destinations including Manchester, Birmingham, Crewe, Cardiff, Bangor and Holyhead will no longer stop at the station, with only very early morning and late-night trains continuing to serve the route.
The changes, introduced by Transport for Wales, form part of a wider timetable update across the network. While some improvements have been welcomed, the impact on passengers using Pensarn has prompted concern locally.
Darren Millar, Member of the Senedd for Clwyd West, has written to Transport for Wales to highlight the issue, pointing to the station’s importance for people living in Abergele, Pensarn and surrounding communities. He noted that the station is widely used and valued for its accessibility, particularly for passengers with mobility needs, as well as its role in supporting visitors to the area.
Under the new timetable, passengers travelling to destinations such as Manchester or Manchester Airport will no longer have direct services and will instead need to change trains, often at Rhyl. Some residents have reported that the revised journeys could add up to around 40 minutes, depending on connections.
The changes also mean that direct services from Pensarn will be largely limited to routes towards Llandudno and Liverpool, leaving fewer convenient options for those travelling further afield.
Local feedback has highlighted frustration around longer journey times and reduced connectivity, with some passengers describing the changes as a significant setback for regular rail users in the area.
Transport for Wales has been asked to review the impact of the timetable adjustments, particularly in relation to maintaining accessible and efficient links for communities along the North Wales coast.
The new timetable is due to come into effect in May.
