A Valleys train line will close this month until early 2024 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 Saturday, April 29, until late January/early February 2024, says Transport for Wales.
The closures comes in place to allow for the latest phase of engineering work for 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.
During the Treherbert Line transformation, Transport for Wales (TfW) will be offering 50% off the cost of travel for people living between Trehafod and Treherbert railway stations. The railcard applies for journeys wholly on the Treherbert line and journeys between stations on the line and locations through to Cardiff Central. Get the latest transport news from WalesOnline sent straight to your inbox by signing up to our free newsletter.
Read more: Passenger fears as Valleys rail line set to close for rest or the year
For information on how to obtain a Rhondda Railcards, go online and visit Rhondda Railcard | Transport for Wales (tfw.wales). The railcards are not valid and cannot be used until 29 April 2023.
Transport for Wales have also launched two additional promotional ticket offers for all rail customers across the Wales and Borders network. The Multiflex ticket offer is 12 tickets for the price of 6 and there is 50% off advanced tickets for journeys over 50 miles. The ticket offer was launched on Wednesday, April 19 and more information is available at the TfW website.
When will the trains stop running?
The Treherbert line will be closed from April 29, 2023.
How long will the Treherbert line be closed for?
The transformation of the Treherbert Line will mean the route between Pontypridd and Treherbert will be closed from April 29 until early 2024.
During the first two weeks of the work on the Treherbert Line, the lines to Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil will also be closed for the Metro work.
Why is the Treherbert line closing?
The closures have been brought in to allow for the latest phase of engineering work to continue on the South Wales Metro. The work on the Treherbert line includes removing the mid-nineteenth century infrastructure with a modern signalling system, the diversion of gas and water mains, new station platforms at Treherbert, Ynyswen and Dinas Rhondda, new footbridges at Ynyswen and Dinas Rhondda, the installation of new track and overhead line equipment throughout the line.
There will also be new and refurbished toilets, waiting rooms, shelters and the installation or upgrade of help points, CCTV cameras, ticket machines and customer information screens.
Where can I get replacement services
From April 29, 2023, to late January/early February 2024, the train line from Pontypridd to Treherbert will be closed and a rail replacement bus service will be available throughout the Rhondda.
Here is a breakdown of the bus replacement plan during April, May and early June:
- From April 29, an all day hourly service from Treherbert to Cardiff
- From May 1 - 12, a semi-express AM and PM service in alternate half-hour, calling at all stations between Treherbert and Trehafod, then express to Radyr
- From May 13 - 21, an all day - half hourly service from Treherbert - Pontypridd
- From May 15 - 19, AM /PM Peak - semi-express service between Treherbert and Ton Pentre, then express to Pontypridd
- From May 29 - June 2, all Day - hourly service - all stations Treherbert - Cardiff and an AM /PM peak semi-express service in alternate half-hour - calling at all stations between Treherbert and Trehafod then express to Cardiff
- Saturday, June 3 - all day - hourly service - all stations Treherbert - Cardiff
- Sunday, June 4 - all day - hourly service Treherbert - Pontypridd
A breakdown of the bus services that TfW will be running from Monday, June 5:
- A “core” timetable of one bus every 30 minutes, stopping at all stations.
- A “semi-express” AM and PM service for peak travel times.
- A dedicated school bus plan for Treorchy Comprehensive school.
- TfW colleagues will be on hand at key locations to support customers.
- Extra vehicles available to respond to any operational or capacity issues as they arise.
Here is where the rail replacement buses will be based:
- Pontypridd - station entrance next to taxi rank.
- Trehafod - station entrance on Trehafod Road, near the subway.
- Porth - to Trehafod, local bus stop on Porth Street at junction with Mary Street. To Dinas Rhondda, bus stop on Pontypridd Road, near Leith House.
- Dinas Rhondda - At the end of the station access lane, near the bridge.
- Tonypandy - station entrance next to roundabout.
- Llwynypia - bus stop on Salem Terrace, close to the station entrance.
- Ystrad Rhondda - bus stops on Gelligaled Road, near the junction with Brook Street.
- Ton Pentre - end of station footpath near to the petrol station.
- Treorchy - bus stops on Station Road (A4061). To Treherbert, it will be in front of Parc and Dare. To Pontypridd, it will be opposite the library.
- Ynyswen - bus stops on Ynyswen Road close to Cuts and Curls. Towards Treherbert, station side. Towards Pontypridd, after Woodland Terrace.
- Treherbert - outside station entrance on Station Street.
For more information, click here.
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