Next Monday, 26 February, the Treherbert line will reopen to passengers as completion of its major upgrade works along the line come to a close.

The works that have taken place over the last ten months have seen Transport for Wales (TfW) and its partners install a new signalling system that will be compatible with the new Class 756 trains which will be introduced later this year, along with the installation of overhead powerlines, modernising and extending platforms, and installing footbridges to aid accessibility.

The South Wales Metro service will initially start with two trains per hour, these services will serve all the stations between Treherbert and Pontypridd except Ynyswen, as this station is still undergoing temporary upgrade work.

Those wishing to travel to or from Ynyswen will be able to catch a shuttle bus to either Treherbert or Treorchy stations, these buses will integrate with the train timetable.

In addition to this, some trains won’t be running along the line in the late evenings between Sundays and Thursdays, this is to allow work on the final stages of the overhead powerlines to be undertaken. Train times for the services can be found on the Transport for Wales website. https://tfw.wales/plan-a-journey

While appreciating the amount of disruption this has caused passengers and residents in the Rhondda, TfW have extended the Rhondda Railcard.

All those in possession of such a Railcard will be able to get 50% off their train ticket when travelling on the Treherbert line for the next 3 months starting on Monday 26 February lasting until the end of May 2024.

In order to qualify for the half price discount, passengers must physically show the on board train conductor their Rhondda Railcard along with a valid ticket.

Jan Chaudhry van der Velde, TfW Chief Operating Officer said: “Replacing the Victorian signalling system with modern colour light signals controlled from our dedicated Valleys control centre has taken some time, but trains will return to the Treherbert line from 26 February. A comprehensive training programme for the drivers and conductors who work the route has been ongoing since the start of the year, and will continue for the next few weeks. We will then turn our attention to the introduction of new Class 756 trains on the route later in 2024. We appreciate that our customers and lineside neighbours have been incredibly patient with us during this time, and to recognise this, we are offering customers of the Rhondda, 50% off journeys for three months, until 23 May 2024.”

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with a responsibility for transport, Lee Waters added: “This is another massive investment that will make a huge difference to passengers travelling on the line. It follows in the footsteps of improved Ebbw Vale and Maesteg services and is another positive step in our ambition to transform the valleys lines.”

Additional information on the upgrade works that have taken place on the Treherbert line can be found at https://tfw.wales/projects/metro/south-wales-metro/treherbert-line-transformation