A new direct train service between Cardiff and Edinburgh is set to launch next month, and people have mixed reactions towards the upcoming route. The 455-mile route, operated by CrossCountry, will stop at 22 stations between the two capitals, including Birmingham New Street. This weekday service is part of the rail industry’s biannual timetable change, starting from December 15. The service will consist of long-distance Voyager services departing from Cardiff and Penzance in the morning, merging at Birmingham New Street before heading north to Edinburgh. Upon the return journey at Gloucester, the service will split, with one half heading to Cardiff and the other to Plymouth. There will be one service in each direction between Cardiff and Edinburgh on weekdays only. Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport in the Scottish Government, welcomed the new direct weekday train service between Edinburgh and Cardiff, expressing optimism about its positive impact on jobs, local economies, and direct connectivity between Scotland, Wales, and intermediary locations.
WalesOnline commenters emphasised the need for service improvements within Wales alongside the launch of the new direct train service to Edinburgh. Many readers called for better local services, with some suggesting specific enhancements such as a direct train to Pembroke Dock, later trains from Swansea to Cardiff, improved connections to West Wales, a train link to Cardiff Airport, direct links to Aberystwyth and Llandudno, as well as better overall rail infrastructure. While some commenters expressed frustration over existing services, others welcomed the new route and improvements, highlighting the benefits of enhanced connectivity and services to different destinations along the route. The dominant theme among the comments was the call for prioritising and enhancing local services in Wales before expanding to new routes.
The varied reactions from the public reflect a mix of perspectives on the new direct train service between Cardiff and Edinburgh. While some individuals are eager to make use of the upcoming route and appreciate the improvements, others stress the importance of addressing existing local service issues within Wales. The discussions around the new service highlight the complexities of transportation infrastructure development and the diverse needs and preferences of rail users. As the launch date approaches, it remains to be seen how the new direct train service will be received by passengers and how it will impact travel between Cardiff and Edinburgh. With ongoing debates about the balance between improving local services and introducing new routes, the future of rail transport in Wales continues to be a topic of interest and discussion among the public.