Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:52 am Post subject: Ebbw Vale-Cardiff rail service a ‘tremendous success’
Quote:
ONE million passengers have stepped on to the train to travel from Ebbw Vale to Cardiff in only half the time that was expected.
The long-awaited railway link opened to its first commuter only 20 months ago, and since then demand for the service has been phenomenal.
On Tuesday morning Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, joined the celebrations on the platform at Ebbw Vale Parkway, before boarding the train to enjoy the 8.40am ride himself heading back to the capital.
The Minister for the Economy and Transport called the introduction of the service a “tremendous success,” and said the case for extending the link to Newport was being closely considered:
He said: “The investment has really paid off, we understand there is a demand for the Newport service, and particularly in the recession it is important to give people the opportunity to travel.”
The Ebbw Vale to Cardiff venture was a £30m project completed in partnership with the public and private sector.
The project included construction of six new stations along the route – at Ebbw Vale Parkway, Llanhilleth, Newbridge, Cross Keys, Risca and Pontymister and Rogerstone. The new stations include a range of facilities including car parks and CCTV systems for improved passenger safety.
Mr Jones was joined on his journey by representatives of Blaenau Gwent Council and Arriva Trains Wales.
Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council said: “This has always been about local people right from the start, some have called it the people’s railway, so let’s do it again. Let’s move forward together and complete all the railway projects on the book. Let’s invest in a better future for Blaenau Gwent and the Heads of the Valleys.”
He called for the progression of the Newport link and a possible extension into Ebbw Vale town centre, and also Abertillery.
Arriva Trains representative, Mike Bagshaw said he was thrilled with the success: “It is a very exciting time for rail travel, we are looking forward to building on this success.”
Let's hope the signals have been made to get the Newport link on track. We can then say bye bye to the tortuous slog of the X15 bus route and get into Newport by train instead. The sooner the better.
You are not kidding. I am moving office in the new year from Clifton to Bristol waterfront. By car it's going to add a fair bit to my journey time I suspect. On the other hand it's walking distance from Templemeads - except that to take the train I'd have to go via Cardiff _________________ The compliments pass when the quality meet.
I worked in Bristol ( admittedly a fair while ago ).
I'm not sure what the cost of a weekly/monthly Season Ticket is but it was well worth my while driving to Newport, parking at the station and then letting the train take the strain to Temple Meads.
Buses running to the centre every 5 minutes.
Hopefully just the saving on Bridge Tolls would make it worthwhile. _________________ Rocke
FIP meeting on Friday and one of the successes of past years was given as 'the railway'.
Funny that - I thought the aspiration was for TWO railway lines.
I hope we don't count 50% as a success in other areas of operation. _________________ Rocke
I agree that it's an excellent service and I use it every day as I work in Cardiff, which is because, purely selfish and personal reasons, I don't want the train going any where near Newport due to the increased time to Cardiff. But I can see your point for people who need to go east.
As Rocke says, though, there should be two services as originally planned and agreed. (and a bl**dy bus link )
_________________ er gwaetha pawb a phopeth dwi'n dysgu o hyd!
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