WIREDGOV

Transport Minister, Edwina Hart, has announced the contract for the North South express train service will be extended for another three years.

The Welsh Government funded-service, also known as Y Gerallt Gymro, will continue to run at the same times as before, offering reduced journey times with business class and dining facilities not available in the standard trains. The new contract will ensure the service continues until the end of the current Wales and Border franchise in October 2018.  

The Minister said:

“I am committed to improving journey times and transport links between North and South Wales to promote economic growth. The express train service has proved popular with business travellers and this new contract will ensure it continues until the end of the current franchise. We are continually working to improve this service, including introducing a new business class and investing in rail infrastructure to further reduce the journey time.”

The North South express service operates Monday to Friday, departing Holyhead at 05:33 arriving in Cardiff Central at 09:58, returning at 17:16 arriving in Holyhead at 21:45, travelling via Wrexham and Chester.