Passengers fume at being stranded at tiny station with no loo after train axed
Dismayed passengers complained about a “shambles” of a train service when 30 people were ordered to get off at a remote station - and left to wait for over two hours.
The route was on the Heart of Wales Line known as one of the most scenic train routes in the UK. But approaching Llanwrtyd railway station an announcement was made over the tannoy that the next service would be cancelled, and everyone would have to get off at the next station.
Jim Ayres was one of those told to get off the train - the 11:38am from Swansea to Llandrindod in Powys last Thursday. He was left without access to a toilet, food, or any drink during their long wait. Llanwrtyd station, where the passengers were stranded, is five stops away from Mr Ayres’ destination - but he says they “didn’t tell us” why the train was being cancelled.
“After a brief pause the train went back the way it came, back south towards Swansea. There were about 25-30 people left at the station, and we were told that a replacement bus was being sent to take us the rest of the way and that it would be with us in 10 minutes,” he said. Transport for Wales has since apologised and said the cancellation was due to a points failure.
The Heart of Wales line ends in Shrewsbury and is known as one of the UK's most scenic routes (Rcsprinter123)After waiting 10 minutes, there was no replacement bus to be seen - so passengers, including children and the elderly, could do little but wait patiently for their ride. When Mr Ayres tried to call Transport for Wales, he was told again that a bus was on its way. Mr Ayres described the area as feeling like the middle of nowhere, with no toilet or cafe.
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“The town of Llanwrtyd Wells is about half a mile away from the station so it’s not ideal for elderly people or young children," he said. "If we had just been told the service was cancelled, that there was no bus and we'd have to wait for the next train, then at least people could have made the decision to go into the town - spending an afternoon in Llanwrtyd Wells isn’t the worst thing in the world.
“But they told us there would be a bus, and where they dumped everybody there was nothing. They could have at least left us somewhere with facilities,” Mr Ayres said to WalesOnline.
Eventually, two and a half hours after they were told to get off the train at Llanwrtyd, another train turned up to take passengers on the remainder of their journeys. Unfortunately for Mr Ayres, last week’s debacle is not the first time he’s been left frustrated by train travel in Wales. “I’ve been in different parts of Wales quite a lot over the past 18 months or so walking the Wales Coast Path,” he said.
“Trains in Wales are a shambles. They often get cancelled, and when they do show up they can be antiquated trains on major routes, and often you have to stand as a passenger. Transport for Wales is the worst operator I’ve travelled on. It’s being run by Welsh people for Welsh people so you want it to be successful, but it’s just not at the moment.
“I’ve also travelled a lot on buses and they seem to be more reliable - they tend to be operated by smaller companies. The Heart of Wales Line should be trying to attract tourists. It’s lovely but it’s just so incredibly unreliable.”
Transport for Wales has apologised to everyone affected by the train cancellation. The company explained that the service from Swansea to Shrewsbury was cancelled due to a points failure, and explained that, while replacement buses were requested to pick passengers up, they were unable to get to Llanwrtyd before the line was reopened. With that in mind, those affected might be able to claim compensation.
A spokesman for Transport for Wales said: "We were sorry to learn of the problems our customers encountered on the Heart of Wales line last week and we would like to apologise to all customers affected. The service from Swansea was cancelled at Llanwrtyd at short notice owing to a points failure at Craven Arms where the Heart of Wales line joins the mainline.
“When trains are cancelled at short notice we do all we can to provide alternate road transport for our customers. Buses were requested, however the line re-opened before these had arrived. Those affected may be entitled to compensation and should visit the repayment section on our website to submit a claim.
“TfW is working closely with our partners, Network Rail, to improve performance and reliability for all customers in Wales and the borders. We recognise that much of our network included small rural stations where the service is infrequent.”
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