Ebbw Valley railway hits one million passenger mark

The Ebbw Valley rail service celebrated carrying its millionth passenger yesterday (Tuesday 20 October), reaching the landmark in less than half the time expected.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, joined passengers on the 8.40am from Ebbw Vale Parkway to Cardiff to mark the occasion.

The Minister said:

"The demand for this new service has outstripped all expectations and I’m delighted that we have met this landmark less than two years after I launched the service.

"Our original estimations said we would meet this mark after four years. This goes to show what a worthwhile investment this has been and how it is bringing economic and social benefits to many people along this route.

"This service is an excellent example of our continued commitment to the One Wales goal of delivering a truly sustainable and integrated transport system for Wales."

Mr Jones was joined on his journey by representatives of Blaenau Gwent Council and Arriva Trains Wales.

Des Hillman, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council said:

"After the closure of the steelworks, local people showed typical Blaenau Gwent spirit and began the work of regeneration. Calling for the railway to be re-built was part of this.

"The news that the railway is such a success is a boost for our confidence. And it has already strengthened our hand in bidding for more Heads of the Valleys programme funding and investment.

"We have an ambitious and exciting vision to regenerate our county borough – now we must all work together to seize the opportunity to win the investment that can make it happen.

"Thanks are due to all our partners for making this happen and to the community for – quite literally – getting on board!"

Mike Bagshaw, Commercial Director of Arriva Trains Wales said:

"We have been delighted with the popularity of this service from day one and it illustrates a wider trend of strong passenger growth in South Wales. The success of the Ebbw Vale line illustrates ATW’s commitment to improvement and growth in the rail transport network."

The service – linking Ebbw Vale with Cardiff Central station – was made possible thanks to a £30m project funded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The project included construction of six new stations along the route – at Ebbw Vale Parkway, Llanhilleth, Newbridge, Cross Keys, Risca & Pontymister and Rogerstone. The new stations include a range of facilities including car parks and CCTV systems for improved passenger safety.