Work is under way in south Wales to provide a train service every half an hour from Cardiff to Merthyr.

It is part of a £19million project backed by the Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with Network Rail, Arriva Trains Wales and the SEWTA local authority transport consortium.

The idea is to improve "this important Valleys service" and to encourage more people to use the train and leave their cars at home.

The project has been part-funded by the European Union's Objective One Programme.

"The rail network in the south east region, especially between the Valleys and Bridgend, Cardiff and Newport, represents an invaluable and underdeveloped asset," said Councillor Tom Williams, chair of the South East Wales Transport Alliance.

"This major rail project is a further step toward our five-year rail improvement programme and longer term rail strategy.  It is designed, together with other elements of our emerging regional transport plan, to encourage more people to use public transport in order to reduce the use of our overcrowded roads, reduce climate change gases and improve access for all.''

Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, said: “This latest investment is another demonstration of our commitment to restoring and improving rail services across Wales – a top priority for the Welsh Assembly Government.

“Our substantial investment in the rail network over the past few years, together with other forms of public transport, has led to a record number of people using public transport in Wales, with more people using the train today than prior to the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.
 
“This move to public transport is helping to connect communities across Wales, not only improving our environment, but securing a better, more sustainable future for the people of Wales.
 
“This enhanced service, together with restoration of the passenger services at Ebbw Vale later this year, is part of our commitment to delivering a prosperous future for the Valleys of South Wales.”

The Merthyr line will gain an improved station at Abercynon South, a two-mile passing loop and new platform face at Merthyr Vale, and new track and signalling in the Abercynon area. The train service will be increased from hourly to half-hourly from next year.  A major park-and-ride facility will be provided at Abercynon following the improvements to the rail service.
 
Robbie Burns, Network Rail's western route director, said: "We are looking forward to working with all the partners involved to improve the railway in this part of Wales. It’s part of a much wider programme that we are undertaking to provide a world-class railway for passengers – not only to provide a safe and reliable railway fit for the twenty-first century, but also one that is high performing and reliable.”
 
Arriva Trains Wales head of franchise and stakeholder management, Mike Hurley, said: “Arriva Trains Wales welcomes this major investment by the Welsh Assembly Government to improve rail services.
 
“The completion of this project will deliver a much enhanced train service for our customers on a key commuter route into the Welsh capital.”
 
Councillor Eudine Hanagan of Rhondda Cynon Taff council, said: “This is an important scheme as we work to deliver high standard and effective public transport systems for the benefit of residents and the overall regeneration of this county."

Merthyr Tydfil Councillor Brendan Toomey said: “We welcome and are excited about these works as they will bring a long awaited improvement to rail services between Merthyr Tydfil, Pontypridd and Cardiff."

Railfuture's Rowland Pittard added: "Mr Davies also announced funding, jointly with Merseyrail, for a feasibility study for upgrading the Wrexham-Bidston line.

"Funding was also announced for upgrading Wrexham, Llandudno Junction and Pontypridd stations to accommodate disabled passengers."

But he said Railfuture was disturbed by the Assembly's plan to support an air service from Cardiff to north Wales.

The Merthyr scheme was launched on 8 February 2007 by Andrew Davies.

Information from the Welsh Assembly Government and rowland.pittard at railfuturewales.org.uk