Stations to be updated (From Penarth Times)

Stations to be updated

PENARTH train travellers are to benefit from a £85,000 cash boost from the National Assembly.

The Welsh government is spending the money revamping three of the town's main rail stations.

Cogan and Eastbrook will receive £35,000 for the fitting of 'real time train information' - an electronic time table that will keep passengers informed.

Whilst Dinas Powys station will receive £15,000 to paint the subway and to provide lighting and CCTV cameras.

The news has been welcomed by both passengers and politicians.

Traveller Hugh Morgan uses the station most days and said: "It is good to have the real time information but the station still needs a ramp for push chairs.

"It is very difficult with a child in a buggy because we have to walk right around the station to get to the platform which is unfair."

Cogan station user Peter Avaient said: "I use the train every day and it is frustrating when I do not know if the train is on time or coming at all.

"The real time information will be very useful."

Vale of Glamorgan AM Jane Hutt said: "The Welsh Assembly is committed to making our public transport system safer, more passenger friendly and more effective.

This latest announcement - coming in addition to Assembly support for re-opening the Vale of Glamorgan passenger service - again shows the Assembly is serious about getting a better deal for rail passengers."

Perspective Conservative AM for Penarth and Cardiff South, Dianne Rees said: "I am very much in favour of any improvements made to safety and lighting at stations. Any improvement which is made to encourage passengers to use public transport is worthwhile. "It is good that train stations across the Vale are being updated."

She added: "I don't think real time train information is the most important issue but will help passengers."