From the start of the December 2015 timetable, three late evening Arriva Trains Wales services between Bridgend and Cardiff (via the South Wales Main Line - SWML) called at Ninian Park – a station just to the west of Cardiff on the ‘City Line’ which in recent years at least, is normally only served by local trains between Coryton and Radyr. A short spur connects the City Line (at Leckwith South Junction) and the SWML (at Leckwith North Junction). A number of passenger trains between Bridgend and Cardiff Central are routed this way each day (and thus approach/leave Central to the south of Canton depot), but these are not scheduled to call at Ninian Park. This section of line also provides an alternative route into the station when engineering work is taking place. The spur – in conjunction with the Penarth South Curve, also provides a direct link between the Vale of Glamorgan line and the SWML to the west (avoiding the need to travel via and reversal at Cardiff Central).

On 6th January 2016 Arriva Trains Wales Class 175 DMU 175114 stands at Ninian Park awaiting departure time (2155) while working the 1B41 1914 Milford Haven to Cardiff Central service.