Newport - Chester or Crewe was plagued by short notice** 2 carriage substituting for longer services, but hopefully those days are past. Also, Network Rail have been doing work to accelerate line speeds - that might not yet be reflected in the timetable perhaps.

Mark

** No notice. On the platform at Chester Station a couple of years back, and ten minutes before it was due, I asked TfW's social media if the Cardiff train was loco and coaches. Answer, yes. Round the bend came a 2 car 153, already full and standing. Illness ensued.