I welcome the much needed improvements to the Rhondda Line, with some equipment nearly 100 years old modernisation was needed, but at what cost? The people of the Rhondda deserve better.
The long closure and lack of notice for residents is indefensible. Transport for Wales has said that the Rhondda line will be reopened in Early 2024 but are yet to provide further clarity. The 50% off selected tickets from TFW is not acceptable.
The Welsh Government is encouraging the use of public transport but this closure is forcing people onto an already crumbling road network. The people of the Rhondda are paying the price for the Welsh Governments underinvestment in our transport links.
Travellers are penalised for using roads with new 20mph speed limits and a proposed Cardiff Congestion Charge. A lack of reliable public transport with expensive fees does nothing but discourage active travel measures.
The issues with the Core Valley Lines are not new. Some of the equipment is almost 100 years old and still in use. This means that the Welsh Government could have undertaken this work during lockdown whilst train passenger numbers were at an all time low.
I am calling on the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales to do more for the people of the Rhondda and do what they can to reduce the disruption faced.