trains

EUROSTAR passengers were stuck for up to seven hours yesterday after two people were hit by trains.

The operator warned that delays and disruptions will continue into this morning.

2

Trains in both directions between London St Pancras International and Gare Du Nord in Paris were either cancelled or delayed for hours.

It followed two separate fatalities, the first between Lille and Paris and around 5pm.

The second person was hit between Lille and Arras, according to local media.

Eurostar posted on X this morning to say trains will be running, but there area a “few cancellations” and “a lot of passengers travelling”.

“So the situation might still be difficult.”

Yesterday, there were massive queues at both the UK and French railway stations.

Many furious passengers who were stuck for hours took to social media to demand compensation.

One train, due to leave London at 2.31pm, was supposed to arrive at 5.57pm.

But it was delayed for four hours and didn’t get in until nearly 10pm.

Another frustrated passenger said they were on a train from London to Paris but they were stuck on it for seven hours.

Naomi Sanger, from Snodland, told KentOnline she boarded the 4.31pm at Gare Du Nord but it never left and she was left stranded at the station.

She posted on X that the food and drinks supply was running out, and the air con was not working.

In a statement on X, Eurostar said: “Due to a person struck by a train near Lille Europe, we are expecting delays and cancellations to our services this evening.

“We advise changing your journey for a different travel date.”

On Wednesday, Eurostar travellers were also hit by delays after a person was hit on the rails in France.

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Raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement have sparked fear, protests and the cancellation of several public events throughout the Los Angeles area. Amid the tense climate, more than 100 people recently gathered at the Maywood Boxing Club to watch Julio César Chávez Jr. train as he prepares to face Jake Paul on June 28 at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

Chávez, visibly surprised by the turnout, confessed that he did not expect to see so many people given the circumstances.

“I thought there wouldn’t be people here, because of everything happening, but I’m glad they made the time to come,” the Mexican boxing star told L.A. Times en Español moments before beginning his training session.

While they were drawn to the chance to watch a boxing star train, the event also united a community and showed its resilience in the face of adversity.

Boxers Jake Paul, left, gestures toward Julio César Chávez Jr. during a boxing news conference at the Avalon Hollywood Theatre in L.A. on May 14. Nakisa Bidarian, CEO and co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions, center left, and Oscar De La Hoya, of Golden Boy Promotions, center right, look on.

(Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

The last few weeks have been particularly difficult in Los Angeles. Testimonials and videos on social media have documented arrests of immigrants in the middle of public streets, generating a generalized state of fear. Chávez, who has lived in the city for more than a decade, reflected on the impact of the raids.

“It even scared me, to tell you the truth, it is very ugly,” he said. “I don’t understand the situation, why so much violence. There are many good people and you are setting an example of violence to the community.”

Chávez said his concerns about the raids have little to do with political debates over immigration policy. He is more focused on the treatment of people being detained by federal agents wearing masks who don’t identify themselves and target workers who appear to be immigrants.

“Seeing children left alone because their parents are grabbed. … That is common sense, we are people and we are going to feel bad when we see that situation,” he said.

Although he acknowledges immigration crackdowns could affect ticket sales for his fight against Paul, Chávez was confident that the fight will go off without a hitch.

“I don’t think the fight will be affected, maybe the tickets, although you can watch it on pay-per-view at home, because in the end there will be a fight,” he said. “The support for me is going to be there and if they don’t go, I know they will go another way. People want me to beat Jake Paul with my heart and I want to give a fight like I haven’t given in a long time.”

Sean Gibbons, president of Knucklehead Boxing and MP Promotions, was more direct. For him, the June 28 fight is safe.

“I don’t think there will be any changes. The fight will happen at the Honda Center in Anaheim, and everything that happens is happening in Los Angeles,” he said. “If we had done the fight at Crypto.com Arena, it could have been a problem, but I think the people sent a strong message by being here [at the training session], despite everything that’s going on. Hopefully things will calm down long before the 28th.”

Gibbons also stressed that the attendance at the training is proof that fans are willing to come out and support Chávez, even in uncertain times.

Among those attending the event was 38-year-old Maywood resident Olaf Luevano. For him, being at the gym was not only a show of support for the boxer, but also an act of unity.

“This was a good way to come out and support the people, to show everyone that we are together. He is someone from our community and he will come out and fight, representing our people,” said Luevano, who added that although he has legal documents, discrimination and fear affect everyone equally. “Just because of the color of our skin and how we look, it affects us too.”

Miguel Castañeda, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, lives in Lynwood and came to witness the open-door training. Castañeda shared the same nervous feeling, but also the need to resist.

“Dismayed everyone, even the celebrities are worried,” said Castañeda, 39. “One thinks about it, but you have to go out and live. You don’t have to live in fear. Not to be locked up, no, we all have to go out. … We have to be encouraged.”

Castañeda was also surprised by the size of the crowd at the gym he has visited in the past.

“I’ve never seen so many fans in this gym. It’s good to see this, that people come out to support,” he said.

Two miles away, Chávez’s legendary father opened the doors of the now defunct Azteca Boxing in Bell to connect with fans before some of his historic bouts.

Julio César Chávez Jr. said working out in front of a big group of fans not only motivates him, but also connects him with his roots.

“It’s impressive, the people there. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen so many people together and even more so in these difficult times,” he said.
“It’s a motivation to keep working hard. Also, coming to these kind of gyms, people remember the times of before and I am very grateful.”

Chávez said he takes issue not only with the raids, but the way political speeches — especially those by President Trump — have attacked immigrants.

“I’m from Sinaloa, where you see things over there so ugly and to come here, to such a beautiful country, and see Trump attacking immigrants, Latinos, without a purpose,” Chávez said. “… You have to get closer to God and I think Trump made a bad decision.”

Chávez said he understands the fear many in the community feel as a result of the recent immigration crackdown, but it was encouraging to see people gather at his gym.

“One of my trainers didn’t want to come because of the fear of ICE,” he said. “… I just ask them to take care of themselves, to stay away from danger. We know … there is a very big conflict and we’re hoping that nothing bad happens.”

This article first appeared in Spanish via L.A. Times en Español.

Despite once being a thriving network link, this tiny railway station has almost been completely abandoned – except for the two trains that stop here once a week, both heading in the same direction

A tiny railway station that ‘refuses to die’ has been around for 160 years – but is hardly used at all.

Situated near Gloucestershire, on the South Wales mainline between Cardiff and Bristol, lies the forgotten station of Pilning. With no staff and just one platform, the hub has become ‘criminally neglected’ and ‘rendered virtually unusable’ due to years of poor maintenance and lack of investment.

It hasn’t been completely abandoned, and remains on official rail maps, but has become ghostly vacant. In fact, only two trains now actually stop at the station per week, both heading in the same direction – making it one of the country’s least-used railway stations.

READ MORE: New 20k-mile train to link 100 EU cities with £67 tickets – but there’s a catch

The station did see a boom in passenger numbers during the pandemic – which climbed to 710 in 2019-2020. However, the year after this number fell down to 210, the worst record since 2015/2016.

But back in its heyday, Pilning station was thriving, boasting its own stationmaster, fourteen signalmen, six signalmen/porters, six porters, two ‘lad’ porters and a tunnel inspector. It was commonly used by Brits as a means of getting to the Severn Tunnel Junction, providing an alternative to the Aust Ferry or a long detour through Gloucester.

However, when the Severn Road Bridge opened in 1966, the station’s popularity plummeted. By 1990, its service had been slashed to just one train each way daily, during daylight hours. In 2006, this was reduced to just one train each per week, on a Saturday.

“In 2016, a real body blow – our footbridge was demolished and not replaced, leaving us with just two trains a week in one direction and none at all in the other,” Pilning Station Group, which is campaigning for the station to be brought back to life, said. “Was that the final kiss of death? No way – since then, the station’s official usage figures have shot up by a staggering 900 per cent, and our campaign for a better service and a reinstated footbridge has been steadily gathering support and momentum.”

Campaigners argue even ‘minor improvements’ to the station could make it more attractive to potential users, such as a later Saturday afternoon train that would allow passengers more time in Bristol. “A Saturday lunchtime train would enable visitors and rail enthusiasts to visit Pilning for a drink and a pub lunch at the nearby Plough Inn and catch the later train back,” they said.

“An early-morning Monday-Friday train to Bristol would give people a fast route to work or college, as an alternative to the slow and circuitous Severn Beach branch which is very crowded in the mornings. Restoration of platform lighting (removed about 30 years ago as it was allegedly life-expired) would enable trains to call again after dark.”

The eerie station has recently gone viral on social media, where it has been branded the ‘loneliest station’ in the UK. “I live next to this station,” one TikToker said. “The locals have been campaigning for years to have it reopened as we have next to no public transport links.”

Many Brits said they were interested about the forgotten hub, with one user stating: “I’m curious to visit it now.” Another agreed, commenting: “I would still go there,” while a third added: “Sounds like it needs a garden village built there as it has transport links.”

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Bold new plans to launch a 20,660-mile sleeper train that will whizz passengers around Europe in stylish private cabins have been announced, but there’s one big catch for Brits

Ambitious plans to connect 100 major European cities together with sleek sleeper trains could become a reality by 2027. Berlin-based start up Nox has revealed its blueprints for an epic route covering a whopping 20,660 miles* to curb the need for short-haul flights. It aims to launch night trains with entirely private rooms that will sleep one or two guests.

Each stylish cabin will feature two meter-long beds, separate seats with tables, and enough space to stand up and store your luggage. Nox also has plans to offer double beds with panoramic window views.

“Our room design allows us to fit more people into our trains than traditional operators can,” said founder Janek Smalla who co-launched FlixTrain, and until 2024 led the German ridesharing market for Bolt. “This, paired with a strict focus on standardisation and operational excellence will allow us to offer affordable fares on over 35 European routes.”

The company says it has already reserved train coaches and is ‘finalising the approval’ of its interior design. It is now preparing the next large financing round for autumn, but did not wish to comment on how much the project is slated to cost.

READ MORE: New 425-mile UK train line with 11 stops to launch branded ‘Eurostar of Scotland’

With sustainability and affordability central to its mission, single rooms will start as low as €79 (£67) while double rooms will cost €149 (£127) but this could fluctuate based on demand. However, there is one big catch for Brits – who have been left out of the proposals.

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Nox explained how it originally ‘intended’ to serve London and make it one of its hubs for night trains. “Our route network is data-driven, and based on our analysis, starting in London made sense from a passenger demand perspective,” a spokesperson said.

However, once the company started looking into the ‘technical and regulatory challenges’ of operating such a service, it deemed bringing the sleeper trains to the UK a ‘near -impossibility’. After speaking to experts, concerns were raised over axle load and technical limitations on HS1, a lack of available capacity at St Pancras International, limited space for maintenance facilities, and Eurotunnel safety requirements.

“Following this setback, we revised our route network and adjusted departure and arrival times in Paris and Brussels to ensure smooth connections with Eurostar services — making it easier for UK travellers to access our network,” Nox added. “Of course, with such strong demand for night trains from the UK, we would love to establish a presence in London.

“However, significant policy changes are needed — including reforms around track access charges, slot availability on HS1 and at St. Pancras (including infrastructure for train servicing and storage), Eurotunnel access, and the regulatory framework for border controls.” Some of these issues have already been challenged by the likes of Virgin, who recently made a punt to apply for access to the Temple Mills depot in north-east London – potentially ending Eurostar’s monopolisation of the tunnel.

But Nox is not setting up to try and disrupt St Pancras. Instead, it’s on a mission to offer a ‘real alternative’ to short-haul flights and make night trains an ‘essential part of European travel’. “Before launching Nox, we conducted extensive research and interviewed over 100 frequent travellers,” the start up told the Mirror.

“We asked them why they chose to fly rather than take night trains. In most cases, the main reasons were a lack of privacy and high prices. That’s why we decided to prioritise both operational efficiency and privacy — through smart room design, streamlined operations, and standardisation across our network — to offer night train tickets at prices comparable to airline fares. For us, it’s the only way to truly encourage people to fly less and choose rail instead.”

*Nox’s longest route is 932 miles, while the shortest is 310 miles. Based on rough averages, this means the proposal will cover a whopping 20,660 miles. You can learn more about Nox here.

What do you think of the new route? Let us know in the comments section below

Suspended in the air, dangling up to 29ft in certain parts of the journey, this upside down railway truly is an incredible feat of engineering – and has been running for more than a century

This spectacular upside-down railway may look like a fairground ride – but has actually been transporting commuters and tourists for more than 100 years.

Suspended in the air, dangling up to 29ft above the ground at certain parts of the journey, the Wuppertal Schwebebahn is an incredible feat of engineering. Construction of the upside-down railway began in the summer of 1898 and the first test drive took place in the winter, but it wasn’t until 1901 that a section of the track was opened to the public.

Classed as the world’s oldest suspended railway, this enchanting train, located in the hip town of Wuppertal in Germany, cost a whopping 16 million German marks, which would have converted to around £7.79 million. Factoring in inflation, this would have cost a staggering £82.5 million today.

READ MORE: New 425-mile UK train line with 11 stops to launch branded ‘Eurostar of Scotland’

“My fascination with the Schwebebahn lies in the way it was constructed over 100 years ago,” Cologne-based architect Christian Busch told CNN Travel back in 2022. “To realise such a project without computer-aided systems would be unthinkable today. A ride in the Schwebebahn allows the passenger an extraordinary insight into the life of the local residents and really looks like a fairground attraction from days gone by.”

Over the past century, the railway has undergone several major refurbs – with sleek new carriages replacing the original ones. However, you can still privately hire the first 1901 carriage, named Kaiserwagan after Kaiser Wilhelm II took a test ride on it.

In 1950, the Schwebebahn transported Tuffi the circus elephant above the ground. However, the racket from fellow passengers and journalists was too much for the animal, who ended up trampling a row of seats before jumping through a window into the river below.

Luckily, Tuffi wasn’t badly injured by the incident – and now the train is reserved exclusively for humans. A small statue of the elephant was however constructed on the river where Tuffi landed, which has become a popular tourist sight for holidaymakers.

Now, the Wuppertal Schwebebahn (which is technically classed as a suspension monorail) consists of 20 stops and attracts more than 80,000 people every day. “It is therefore an everyday means of transport for the inhabitants of the city, but also a popular tourist attraction,” the train’s official website states.

“Many sights can easily be reached on foot from the 20 suspension railway stations. Since August 1, 2019, only the new ‘Generation 15’ railcars have been in service.”

Guided by huge iron arches, the railway track whizzes over cars, shops, and pedestrians, before offering stunning aerial views of the serpentine river. 24-hour tickets cost €8.80 per person, or €4.40 for any additional passengers. Children under six go free, while elephants are asked to find alternative methods of transport.

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The new £400million project, in the mountains of Neath Port Talbot, will have miles of railway tracks and station platforms – but it’s not for everyday passengers

A whopping £400 million train line and station, which won’t be used by the general public, is planned for a patch of land the size of Gibraltar.

The project, nestled in the mountains of Neath Port Talbot in Wales, is not intended for everyday commuters but rather for testing new trains, including high-speed and hydrogen-powered models.

Known as the Global Centre of Rail Excellence, this unique venture is being built on a massive 700-hectare site near the village of Onllwyn, just 17 miles north of Neath. The centre, which is being constructed on the former Nant Helen opencast site and Onllwyn Washery, is expected to be fully operational by 2027.

Once completed, it will operate round-the-clock, offering rail enthusiasts ample opportunity to test the next generation of engines. The site will feature two seven-kilometre looped tracks.

READ MORE: Brits warned of summer of holiday hell as strikes threaten 12 Spanish islands

This pioneering development could mark a first for the rail industry. Reports suggest that the centre “plugs a significant gap in European rail by providing a purpose-built, single site for world class research,” and that it “allows products to be tested to the highest technology readiness levels, in a live environment, with no risk to the mainline.”

It is hoped that the test centre will let developers put new ideas and innovations to the test before they are deployed in major projects, helping develop future transport systems.

Lewis Smith, a reporter for Wales Online, recently toured the site, which developers claim will be larger than Gibraltar when finished. “If you can test trains or technology systems that work up here, they should be able to work anywhere,” a worker shared with him.

“Whilst today’s fog obscures most of the expected views, the sheer magnitude of work required becomes evident – not only in transforming the landscape for the facility, but also in securing the hundreds of millions of pounds needed from private investors, coupled with over £90 million from Welsh and UK Government funding, for the site to reach its full potential,” he penned.

“Along the journey, we witness the initial stages of works to clear the path for the loop tracks, as well as the early sections of track being laid at the former mining facility – which workers say previously saw more than two million tonnes of coal extracted. We also pass the old shower and locker facilities, still standing from the area’s mining days, complete with hi-vis jackets and helmets, almost as if a group of workers had just finished a shift earlier that day.”

Simon Jones, the Global Centre of Rail Excellence, said: “I don’t think these kinds of projects come around very often, particularly projects like this which have got Government support from both the UK and Welsh Government.

“What it means for the people here is that we’ll be creating a site where the railway industry across the UK and Europe will come here to carry out testing for their innovations in a way that they just can’t do anywhere else. We’ve got 170 companies now from across Europe who’ve pledged their support for what we’re doing and who want to be able to use this place, so that’s just going to create jobs and opportunities for people.

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“There are some sites elsewhere in the UK and there are some sites in Europe, but none of them do what we are planning to do so we are unique. There is nowhere in the UK where people can do high speed testing of trains on a looped track, and that sounds insignificant but actually being able to just drive continuously round without having to reverse the train every time you do a test is a huge time saving.”

While the project would bring a huge amount of money into the area, its future is not secure, despite the land being “shovel-ready”.

GCRE, which is owned by but operates at arm’s length from the Welsh Government, has secured funding of £50m from the Cardiff Bay administration and £20m from the UK Government, originally signed off by the former Conservative Westminster administration. This leaves it needing to raise around £330m, Wales Online reported earlier this year.

Mr Jones said: “2025 will be the moment when all of our hard work at GCRE over the last seven years comes to a decision point. From the start, the model for GCRE has been to use the public funding set aside for us – £50m from the Welsh Government and a £20m grant from the UK Government -to prepare the development to a point where the £400m project could be taken to market. That process began in April 2023, when GCRE undertook a public procurement exercise to secure the private finance we needed.”

GCRE has been contacted for comment.

The Snälltåget train takes passengers on a scenic adventure, beginning in Malmö, Sweden and arriving at Innsbruck, Austria, a mere 22 hours and 1,720 km later

You can embark on a picturesque voyage through the European mountains on a train adventure that takes close to a whole day and whisks passengers more than 1,000 miles.

The Snälltåget service offers an unforgettable 22-hour journey from Malmö in Sweden to the delightful Innsbruck in Austria, spanning a staggering distance as Europe’s longest train trip by mile. Travellers are swept from the Swedish landscapes straight to the Alpine splendour, treated to phenomenal views throughout the 1,720-kilometre escapade.

Back on Track EU hails the expedition as “probably the most relaxing, fun and eco-friendly way to get to your destination” with awe-inspiring mountainous scenes en route, including stops at Austrian hamlets that serve as gateways to sought-after ski retreats.

Although devoid of complete sleeper cabins, the journey provides ‘couchettes’, snug berths for overnight comfort, with many describing the setup as ‘super cozy’ – ideal for such an extended trek.

READ MORE: ‘I’m the King of Sunbeds – one habit will get you thrown into the pool’

Malmö, down on the southern coast of Sweden, invites travellers to meander through Lilla Torg, marvel at the historic Malmohus Castle, and experience the Oresund Bridge, an engineering wonder connecting Sweden to Denmark. Alternatively, take a turn for the eccentric at the Disgusting Food Museum, reports the Express.

In contrast, Innsbruck captivates with unrivalled Alpine vistas from the Nordkette cable cars, the city’s Alpine zoo, and the stunning panoramas offered by the beloved St James Cathedral.

Despite the stunning views, travellers have cautioned about limited luggage space on board, and Snälltåget has also been criticised for delays and cancellations. While UK rail passengers might be accustomed to this, it’s something to bear in mind when on a tight holiday schedule.

The train also features an on-board restaurant, ‘Krogen’. Menus offer breakfast, lunch and alcoholic drinks, with prices around the 200 SEK/£15 mark. Snälltåget also provides a convenient ‘Bring to your seat’ self-service checkout option for hot drinks and snacks.

Snälltåget runs a summer and winter service between Malmö and Innsbruck. The summer season operates only through July, so visitors will need to plan carefully to catch it.

The train departs Malmö at 3.40pm every Friday, returning from Innsbruck each Saturday at 6pm.

During the winter season, the service will operate from December 19, 2025 through to March 15, 2026. Across two of Europe’s top destinations in prime ski season, this is the perfect excuse to hit the slopes for the festive period.

The journey will cost you 1999 SEK per person, each way. This equates to £154.06; perhaps more expensive than a tank of petrol, but arguably worth it for the breathtaking views.

New train lines running between European cities including Copenhagen and Hamburg, Tallinn and Vilnius, and Budapest and Belgrade will transform how passengers get around the Continent

A series of massive rail projects is currently underway, with train travel in Europe likely to look very different in less than ten years from how it does today.

In the UK we are a little too used to rail projects dragging on and on, facing as many delays as a standard Sunday afternoon service. Phase one of the HS2 high-speed railway project, connecting London to Birmingham, is currently expected to open between 2029 and 2033. That will be up to 13 years after building work began.

While continental European rail projects are also liable to be hit by delays, there are a few big projects that are currently well underway that should be completed within the next few years.

Hamburg to Copenhagen

The vast undersea tunnel is being built and will carry two rail lines and a pair of two-lane highways under the Baltic Sea. Construction of the Fehmarnbelt tunnel has started on the shores of the Baltic Sea, in the south of Denmark. Once finished it will link the country and Germany. The project will be the world’s longest road and rail tunnel, and the world’s longest immersed tunnel, stretching 11.2 miles.

‌The tunnel will enable both freight and commuter traffic, reducing carbon emissions, freeing up capacity on the roads and railways, and moving freight from lorries to more environmentally friendly electric trains.

READ MORE: UK train firms launch ‘Clubcard’ schemes with free tickets – but there’s a catch

Currently, travellers heading between Hamburg in Germany, and Copenhagen in Denmark, have to take a five-hour train journey. However, when the tunnel opens, the journey time will be cut in half, with the tunnel stretching from the Danish island of Lolland to the German island of Fehmarn. In total, the project will cost €7.4 billion (£6.2 billion) and is set to be completed in 2029.

Budapest to Belgrade

It is currently possible to travel between these two great cities on the Danube, but it takes a while and three changes. Next year that will change when a high-speed line built with Chinese backing gets going. The difference in effort required as well as the length of journey will be significant. Passengers will be whisked between the two cities in just two hours and 40 minutes instead of seven.

Tallinn to Vilnius

By 2030, the two Baltic capitals will be connected by a high-speed line that will cover a huge distance. Right now it takes close to ten hours to get between Estonia’s Tallinn in the far north to Lithuania’s Vilnius in the south. It will also go through Latvia’s Riga on the way.

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The travel time from Tallinn to Vilnius will be cut down to three hours and 38 minutes and cost €38. Trains will run every two hours, with two night trains each night.

Not only will the train line provide a fast and affordable way to get across the Baltic states, it will introduce a completely different gauge into the country. The three former Soviet republics will swap their 1,520mm tracks for 1,435mm, meaning integration with other European railways will be possible, the Telegraph reports.

Turin to Lyon

This one will take a little longer to complete, with the launch date slated for 2033. While the destinations at either end may sound a little less hefty than other projects, this scheme is a big one.

It will see the construction of the longest rail tunnel in the world at 57.5km. The Mont d’Ambin Base Tunnel will cut through the Alps from the Susa Valley in Piedmont and Maurienne in Savoie, reducing the journey time between Paris and Milan to four and a half hours, a reduction of more than two hours.

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Spain to Morocco

A vast £6bn tunnel connecting Spain to Africa has been on the cards for years, but in the last few months it has seemed that it will become a reality. Studies are being conducted into the feasiblity of an underwater railway crossing linking Europe and Africa. And deadline for the completion of the project will be 2030 according to reports.

The £6billion tunnel will allow a high-speed railway service to run under one of the most famous cargo routes in the world, the Strait of Gibraltar, Moroccan National Company for Strait Studies is reportedly trying to source funding for the project.

It is estimated to span 28km with its lowest point 475m below sea level. The underwater crossing is tipped to connect Punta Paloma in southern Spain and Malabata, near Tangier, Morocco. Both nations want the tunnel built in time for the 2030 football World Cup which is expected to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The football competition would be the first to be held in three countries and would cover two continents with Africa holding its first competition since 2010.

Just this week the Spanish government committed €1.63 million to a feasibility study on the scheme.

Bold plans to transform the railway system as part of a £1 billion upgrade has garnered heavy criticism as bosses confirm new electrified trains will be missing one specific amenity

Railway plans to transform connectivity in south Wales have sparked heavy backlash amongst locals. Touted as the ‘Welsh Tube‘, the £1 billion mega project – which was first proposed back in 2013 – offers a ground-breaking solution to long waits and traditional timetables stagnating travel in the region.

But upon completion, a 105-mile long network will see 36 brand new tram-trains carry tourists and commuters across the core Valley Lines, linking areas such as Cardiff with Coryton, Rhymney, Aberdare, and Treherbet – with certain journeys running every five minutes in the day. As previously reported, the South Wales Metro project will operate on a colour-coded map and allow passengers to ‘tap in and out’ with contactless payment barriers.

Those living in or around Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, and Treherbert will have access to four trains per hour (every 15 minutes) while those around Caerphilly will get six trains per hour and Pontypridd will see 12 trains per hour (every five minutes) running to the Welsh capital. With new electric tram-trains already starting test runs in the Valleys – the project is nearing its first phase.

READ MORE: UK seaside town abandoned by Butlin’s with posh holiday village now in its place

However, locals weren’t too happy when they discovered the state-of-the-art vehicles did not feature any onboard toilets. According to Wales Online, one person described the lack of loos as ‘absolute madness’, adding: “We certainly are going backward in Wales.”

Another commented: “This is shocking, I have a funny feeling there’s going to be lots of urine on the floor on a Friday and Saturday night,” while a third penned: “People need toilets, what’s with the Welsh government?”

Others were quick to defend the decision, arguing that Tube trains, buses, and cars do not have toilets either. “Some people would whinge about winning the lottery!” one reader fumed. “How many buses have toilets on board?”

Another argued: “If you put toilets in they have to be accessible to all and as a result the area lost to seating and standing is huge. You also have to take the trains out of service to empty the tanks because you can’t just dump it on the tracks anymore. It’s much better to do away with them and have them in fixed locations so they have the space to do it properly and they have proper access to electricity, water and sewerage.”

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When asked about the backlash, a Transport for Wales (TfW) spokesperson told the Mirror that it is currently ‘testing’ a brand-new modern Class 398 tram-trains that will run on electric and battery as part of the South Wales Metro. These will have the ability to run on-street as well as on the rail network, but ‘global rolling stock market’ for this type of train-train with onboard toilets is ‘limited’.

“They are built to quickly move as many people as possible and adding toilets on board would significantly reduce the capacity of the trains,” the spokesperson added. “This type of train is used successfully in other cities within the UK and no other Metro system in the UK runs this type of tram with toilets onboard.

“We want to ensure our passengers still have access to toilet facilities when using our network. To do this, we’re installing 10 new*, fully accessible toilets at key locations across these lines and upgrading our existing station facilities, so that passengers can be confident a toilet will always be available within a 20-minute journey on our network.”

*In addition to the existing toilet facilities across the South Wales Metro area, 10 stations getting new toilets are Abercynon, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Tonypandy, Treherbert, Cwmbach, Llwynypia, Merthyr Vale, Penrhiwceiber and Treorchy.

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