New line to Abertillery

[Rhobat Bryn]

Given the success of the Ebbw Vale line (usage in the first 12 months reached the level it was predicted to have reached after 5 years of running), residents in Abertillery are now calling for their town to have its own station.

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/1 ... ep_closer/

[Rhobat Bryn]

The following entry appears in the National Transport Finance Plan 2015 outlining developments in Abertillery

Scheme Ref: CCRM10f

Scheme Description:

METRO Phase 2 - Ebbw Valley Line Frequency (Phase 2) - Dualling Rogerstone to Pye Corner;
New platforms at R & PC;
Abertillery spur and station;
Crumlin station;
Newport West station.
Undertake feasibility studies, development of business case and delivery of recommended solution/option.

All of the above are due to take place between 2017 & 2020

Scheme Ref: CCRM11

Scheme Description:

Improving access to non-rail served communities:
Investigate options to provide high quality public transport to communities and proposed development areas not currently served by rail, including:
East Cardiff and Newport urban areas, Abertillery, Hirwaun and North West Cardiff into Rhondda Cynon Taf (Beddau - Llantrisant - Cardiff).

The above is scheduled between 2015 & 2020 and beyond

NTFP Ref: CCRM10f

Intervention description: Metro phase 2 – Ebbw Vale Line improvements and Abertillery spur

Appoint delivery agent/partner (preprocurement):

Transport and Works Act powers (if applicable) (permission procedure): N/A

Completion of design (includes Feasibility Studies): 2017

Strategic Outline Case (includes Feasibility Studies, and initial CBA): 2015

Full business case (includes final CBA, permissions, and procurement): 2016

Environmental Impact Assessment (ES & SIAA): 2016

Scheme start on site: 2017

Scheme physical completion: 2019

Operational use: 2019

The full Finance Plan can be viewed at:

http://gov.wales/docs/det/policy/150722-ntfp15-en.pdf

[Rhobat Bryn]

The tram idea seems to be reserved for the Taff Vale, Rhymney and City lines according to the National Transport Finance Plan. Ebbw Vale, Maesteg and the Vale of Glamorgan line will be continuing as heavy rail operations.

Don't forget that tram-train systems are already operating in Europe. Systems can be found in Spain, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands and a 2-year pilot project is being undertaken between Sheffield and Rotherham which could provide the model for other systems elsewhere in the UK, including South Wales.