I recently wrote to Transport for Wales (TfW) about the last Wrexham-Bidston train after midweek matches at the Racecourse, making the point that some fans have to face the choice of missing either the end of the game or the train home due to the timing of the final service.
I urged TfW to consider pushing back the last train so that my constituents travelling home to Gwersyllt; Cefn-y-Bedd; Caergwrle; Hope; Penyfford; Buckley; Hawarden; Shotton and Hawarden Bridge could utilise public transport if they wished.
In its response, TfW said rail timetables have to be agreed ‘many months in advance and require extensive coordination with industry partners’.
However, it will continue to consider opportunities to strengthen services ‘where operationally feasible’ and ‘will keep under review the travel needs of customers attending major events, including football fixtures’.
For full transparency, I have copied below TfW response to me in full:
Dear Ken,
Thank you for your letter dated 15 July 2026 regarding rail services for supporters attending midweek Wrexham AFC home matches. I recognise the importance of ensuring fans can travel to and from major sporting events by public transport and appreciate you raising the concerns on behalf of your constituents.
I understand the concerns that supporters may face when choosing between leaving a match early or possibly missing the last train home. However, rail timetables are agreed many months in advance and require extensive coordination with industry partners, including other train operating companies, freight operators, and Network Rail as the infrastructure owner and manager. As a result, we must work within the access slots available to us and around planned maintenance and engineering activities.
We work closely with Wrexham AFC and local stakeholders to support fans travelling to and from fixtures at the STōK Cae Ras. Over the last two seasons, we have provided additional resources for home and selected away fixtures, including standby buses provision and where operationally possible, additional and retimed rail services to help fans get home safely after matches.
We also trialled later evening services on the Wrexham-Bidston line across four midweek matches last year in direct response to fan feedback. While passenger uptake on these services was relatively low, we will continue to review each fixture and remain committed to working with local stakeholders to explore options where feasible.
TfW will continue to consider opportunities to strengthen services where operationally feasible and will keep under review the travel needs of customers attending major events, including football fixtures. Our dedicated Special Events team work closely with many sporting and cultural organisations to ensure public transport can accommodate the needs of events where possible and I’d like to reassure you they will be engaging with Wrexham AFC over the season.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to me on behalf of your constituents and if you require anything further, please do not hesitate to contact.
