Severn Tunnel closure: missed buses & early starts

Rail commuters travelling to Wales faced a challenging first day onboard replacement buses as the Severn Tunnel closed for electrification work.

It marks the beginning of a six-week project which has added hours onto the journeys of people working in Cardiff and Newport.

While most people seemed upbeat about the work which will eventually reduce rail times, many expressed frustration as information on the National Rail website was reportedly incorrect:

How will my journey be affected?

• One service an hour between Paddington, Newport and Cardiff/Swansea (not calling at Bristol parkway)

• One service an hour between Paddington and Bristol Parkway.

• Replacement buses will run between Severn Tunnel Junction and Bristol Parkway, and between Bristol Parkway and Newport.

• Journey times involving a replacement bus are likely to be extended by approximately 45 min