RAIL commuters are being urged to check before they travel this weekend ahead of works that will disrupt services between Newport and Cardiff for several weeks.

The number of trains running between the two cities will reduced until September 3, with a rail replacement bus service in place over the bank holiday.

Buses will replace trains from Saturday August 26 until 1pm on Monday August 28.

The “essential” maintenance forms part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan for Wales to improve services for passengers.

Engineers will be working day and night over the weekend to prepare the stretch of railway between London and Cardiff for electrification.

By 2019, there will be more than 170,000 new seats added to the daily commute in and out of London – a 20 per cent increase – helping to reduce overcrowding on the railway network.

Andy Thomas, Network Rail managing director for Wales, said that the new fleet of “bi-mode” trains will provide more seats, extra legroom for passengers and improved on-board wi-fi.

“We are working closely with Arriva Trains Wales and Great Western Railway to improve services for passengers,” he said.

“We would like to thank residents and passengers for their patience and would urge everyone to check before travelling over the bank holiday weekend.”

More detail on the diverted rail services and replacement buses as well as up to date journey information can be found via http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or by calling Travel Line Cymru on 0800 464 0000.