Transport for Wales (TfW) has achieved the greatest punctuality improvement of any UK train operator, according to the latest figures published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The improved performance, measured across the Wales and Borders network, follows the introduction of brand-new rolling stock as part of a major Welsh Government investment.
Data for the period between April and June 2025 shows that 83.7% of TfW’s services ran on time—an increase of 1.5 percentage points compared to the same period in the previous year. TfW was one of only five operators across the entire UK network to demonstrate an improvement in punctuality during these three months.
The performance boost is attributed to the phased introduction of new trains, including the Class 756 services on the Core Valley Lines (CVL) earlier this year. This forms a central part of the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment in modernising the rail fleet.
£800 Million Investment Paying Off
The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, welcomed the ORR figures as evidence that the significant capital investment is beginning to deliver tangible results for passengers.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “I am really pleased to see more evidence showing the benefit our £800m investment in new trains is having. It’s another milestone on our mission to transform our railways. I look forward to seeing more passengers in North Wales using reliable and on time TfW services on the North Wales Main Line, with the 50% increase in services from May 2026 thanks to Network North Wales.”
Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at TfW, added: “Improving the customer experience has always been at the heart of what we’re trying to do at TfW. Over the last few years, we’ve been continuously introducing brand-new trains to our network in a phased approach as part of Welsh Government’s £800 million pound investment into brand-new trains in Wales. These new trains transform the customer experience onboard for our customers and we are now at a stage where they are having a really positive impact on our rail performance. The £800 million pound investment into brand-new trains is providing tangible improvements for all those who travel with us and we’re looking forward to further improvements when we welcome our tram-trains to our network next year.”
The company anticipates further performance gains and an enhanced customer experience as more new trains are rolled out and as the network prepares to welcome the introduction of its new tram-train fleet next year.
