A Valleys train line will close for up to a year as work on the new South Wales Metro continues. The transformation of the Treherbert Line will mean the route between Pontypridd and Treherbert will be closed from April 30 until early 2024.
On Wednesday, March 22, WalesOnline went to Porth train station - which will be affected by the closure of the Treherbert line - to speak to passengers about the impact it will have on their day-to-day commute. Many passengers were concerned about travel delays on the roads, how reliable rail replacement buses will be and more outgoings on petrol and parking.
Dee Parker chooses to use the train for her commute to work as it's "cheaper" and more convenient since the increase in petrol prices. She added that she is used to train delays but is worried about getting to work on time during the next few months, as she was previously late to work while using rail replacement buses. She said: "Two weeks ago there were no trains going from Ponty to Cardiff so I had to get the bus and with traffic, we were always late."
Read more: Valleys train line to close for up to a year as major work continues
The 21-year-old, who works in retail, said that her job is understanding if she turns up to work late due to public transport delays, but said she doesn't want to be late all the time and have "that reputation." She said: "They [TfW] have given us notice for May, but people who don't drive and work in Cardiff rely on the trains a lot. They should make sure that the buses are reliable."
She added: "I struggle with anxiety and two weeks ago I had to catch a 9am bus to get to work for 11am, and 9.30am came and there was no sign of the bus and I could tell my anxiety was getting worse and I had to phone work [to say I'd be late]." She hopes with all the "work, catching buses and added anxiety" that the South Wales Metro is going to be "fast and reliable."
Rachel Wootten, 27, isn't able to legally drive as she's registered as disabled and therefore public transport is a lifeline for her to get from A to B. She said that getting a bus replacement is a "hassle" and takes almost double the time to travel, especially if they're running behind. She said: "I'm fortunate that my work is relatively understanding, but eight months is pushing it."
Cee, 26, works in an office and commutes to Cardiff twice a week. Cee said: "It probably doesn't affect me so badly. A price to get a day ticket on the train and day ticket on the bus is roughly the same. It's mostly just the stuff around it like waking up earlier - if I get the train I can wake up at 6.30am to get into work quite early, whereas if I get the bus I have to get up at 5am. So timing wise it's not as good but if they're doing it to make improvments then I'm not too fussed - it's a good thing in the long run."
Cee added: "It would be nice to have more regular and faster trains and if it takes the train station to be closed for eight months to get that done, I'm all for it."
The closures has been brought in to allow for the latest phase of engineering work to continue on the South Wales Metro. The project involves the electrification of the core Valley lines (from Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr and Rhymney into Cardiff), as well as the Coryton and city lines through the capital down to Cardiff Bay.
As train services between Pontypridd and Treherbert won't be available during this time, Transport for Wales (TfW) will be offering 50% off the cost of travel for bus replacement services for people living in the Rhondda.
The offer will apply for journeys on the line, journeys between stations on the line and locations through to Cardiff Central. TfW will be providing further details on how people can take up this offer in the coming weeks and confirmed that a number of bus operators will be providing the rail replacement bus services.
However, some people are hoping that driving to work will be quicker. Mary Jones, 61, will drive from her home to Cardiff for work as she struggles with her knees getting on and off a bus and the long travelling times. She added that she will try to get to the city centre early to pay the "early bird rate", as she said parking is "extortionate" during a cost of living crisis.
Phil Saunders, 40, works in Cardiff two days a week and three days at home. He said: "It will be very annoying, the bus takes around 90 minutes to get down to Cardiff. I have a car but my wife uses it for work. I could borrow my in-law's car to drive down, but then there's a difference in cost with petrol and parking - it'll cost me twice as much as using the train."
"It's a bit of a nuisance to be honest, when I read it at first I was in a bit of a panic, then I realised it's between Porth up to Treherbert - so that means I'll have to drive all the way down to Pontypridd now to catch the train. This means I have to pay extra for fuel and parking - which isn't too bad but extra on your finances.," said 48-year-old Darren Woods, who commutes three times a week into Cardiff from Porth.
He added: "I tried catching the bus replacement before but it didn't work out. The travel time was ridiculous, I'd leave here at 6.50am and get to Cardiff at 8.40am and I start work at 8am. So it's counterproductive."
Tobiloba Soremekun is a master's student at University of South Wales and says students who live further affield from campus are often late to class when they rely on public transport. He said: "I find myself on the train by accidnet as I know it's going to waste my time and I'm going to expect some delays. So I use other means to get to class - sometimes I ride my bike down to Treforest or get the bus," which he says has been more reliable for him in recent months to get him to Pontypridd.
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: “We’ve worked with our bus provider on a robust rail replacement plan which will include a core timetable of services every 30 minutes, morning and evening peak enhancements to reduce journey times and add capacity, a dedicated school plan for Treorchy Comprehensive School, additional services for special events and later-running services from Cardiff Central to the Rhondda Valleys.
“We understand a rail replacement service for this length of time will be very inconvenient for passengers, which is why we’ve reduced the cost of travel by 50% during the Treherbert Line transformation.
“Any customer who has a pre-existing ticket will be able to use the ticket on the replacement bus during the closure of the line. We are still working on the mechanics of how the 50% discount will be applied and we will be giving this information to customers once plans have been finalised.
“The major infrastructure work taking place will allow us to run faster, more frequent trains with greater capacity and we’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience while this vital work is taking place.”
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