A Welsh Conservative investigation has discovered that the closure of the Treherbert line for a period of 8 months as part of the South Wales Metro project is likely to cost the taxpayer approximately £4.5 million in rail replacement bus costs.
The 29th of April 2023 saw Transport for Wales close the Treherbert line from Pontypridd to Treherbert in order to carry out essential work which will lead to the much-needed modernisation of the line.
Part of the line's infrastructure and equipment dates back to the 1930s, marking it as some of the oldest on the Core Valley lines.
The running of the rail replacement bus service will enable Transport for Wales to offer vital connectivity to its customers between Treherbert and Trehafod. Residents between Treherbert and Trehafod are able to benefit from half-price using the Rhondda Railcards whilst the work is underway.
Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, discussing the investigation's findings, said: “The anticipated cost of £4.5 million for the bus replacement on the Treherbert line is astounding. That money that can be better spent on more pressing needs, like our Welsh NHS.”
“The Core Valley Lines are directly operated by the Labour Government, through Transport for Wales. Once again, due to their poor planning, the taxpayer is footing the bill for their mismanagement of the line. There were other options available, rather than an expensive closure of the line for such an extended period at short notice.”
“The closure of the line has already encouraged people back into their cars, Labour has a massive job on their hands to convince commuters to get back onto, what has been a historically poor run service and leave their cars behind.”
As usual the Welsh Labour Government are not very good at spending money wisely. They have waited until the very last minute before deciding to get the work done.
£4.5 million for an eight month programme of rail replacement buses honestly seems like a bargain.
This is an opposition party opposing because they have no fresh ideas themselves.
Criticise the fairly last minute decision to close the line for eight months by all means but not the alternative transport provided.
Unless the Chancellor steps in. Modernising the railways is very expensive work and is also time consuming.