PENARTH commuters are getting ‘the short straw’ as they lose direct train services going north of Cardiff central.
That’s the views of a councillor who is “appalled” by TfW’s plans saying the company has moved in a ‘crafty way’ to remove services from Penarth.
TfW are currently in the process of infrastructure upgrades as part of the ‘South Wales Metro project’, which will see the rollout of new trains including the coveted 231 and 756 models.
However, as part of their improvements, Wales’ national rail service is making alterations to routes.
One of those changes will see customers having to change for services to Rhymney, or Bargoed.
These alterations have left one councillor furious.
Anthony Ernst, Plymouth Ward representative, says he is “appalled” by the changes.
On Facebook, Cllr Ernst wrote: “Penarth commuters are to lose valuable connections into the South Wales Valleys from June, as TfW introduces major improvements for Metro passengers.
“There will be no direct services to Penarth from Rhymney, Bargoed or Ystrad Mynach.
“Put another way, this means that there will be no through trains to anywhere north of Cardiff Central, with all future trains just running to a dead end at the little used Coryton Station near Whitchurch.”
Cllr Ernst went on to say Penarth is “reverting back to a poorer service”.
"I am quite appalled at the way in which these substantial changes are being introduced without any local consultation, and the crafty way in which through routes have been taken away from Penarth commuters.
“Penarth commuters may well ask why Penarth is getting the short straw once again, and challenge the Welsh Government run service to come up with a much better level of service.”
Read more on Penarth trains
TfW say the South Wales Metro project will see 60 brand new trains introduced in the coming years to serve lines including in the Vale.
A spokesperson for TfW said: “As part of our June 2024 timetable a number of key routes are changing in preparation for the new trains and frequency improvements due to take place over the next 18 to 24 months as part of the next phrase of the South Wales Metro.
“Services to/from Penarth will go to/from Coryton (calling at Heath Low Level, Ty Glas, Birchgrove, Rhiwbina and Whitchurch) and Caerphilly, where customers can change for services to Rhymney/Bargoed.
“Our new Class 231 trains, currently in use to/from Penarth, will now be used on routes from Rhymney/Bargoed through to Barry/Barry Island via Cardiff and the Penarth route will use our older trains until brand new Class 756 trains are brought into service on the route next year.
“These changes are another important step towards the introduction of faster, bigger, greener trains with more frequent journeys.”
What do you think about the change in services in Penarth? Bad for you now? For the better in the long term? How do you find the train service in Penarth?
Let us know in comments, on our Facebook age, or email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.
Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel