Pay-As-You-Go Ticketing and Major Rail Upgrades Coming to North Wales

Rail passengers in Wrexham will be among the first to benefit from a new Pay-As-You-Go ticketing system as part of wider improvements to rail services across North Wales.

The rollout, led by Transport for Wales (TfW), forms part of the wider Network North Wales programme, which aims to deliver significant long-term upgrades to the region’s rail network.

Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, described the changes as a “generational transformation” for rail travel in the area.

A major timetable overhaul is set to take effect from 17 May, bringing a substantial increase in services—particularly along the North Wales Coast Line, where train frequency is expected to rise by around 50%.

Key improvements include:

• A new hourly service between Llandudno and Liverpool

• Extension of the Manchester Airport to North Wales route through to Holyhead, improving connections to ferry services for Ireland

• An hourly Wrexham to Crewe service, created by extending the current Wrexham–Chester line

• Enhanced service patterns to improve commuting options to Bangor and Holyhead, supporting jobs and local economic growth

• Valley station becoming a mandatory stop on relevant services

Alongside these service upgrades, the first phase of Pay-As-You-Go ticketing will also be introduced. Initially, the system will be available at 15 stations along the route between Wrexham General and Bidston, offering passengers a more flexible and convenient way to travel.

Skates said the combined changes would improve capacity, reliability, and connectivity across the region. He added that the redesigned timetable will introduce a consistent hourly service pattern, making it easier for passengers to plan their journeys.

The improvements are expected to enhance both daily commuting and longer-distance travel, while supporting wider economic development across North Wales.