Direct trains between Newport and Ebbw Vale won’t start until the new year

The introduction of direct trains running between Newport and Ebbw Vale has been delayed because of repair work needed to storm-damaged trains.

The Ebbw Valley railway line, which serves the stations for Newbridge, Crosskeys, and Risca and Pontymister, reopened on December 3 after a a two-and-a-half week closure as part of a multimillion pound upgrade.

The works allow direct train services to Newport – which had been due to start running from December 10.

But Transport for Wales has now said the new timetable won’t be introduced until the new year.

In a letter to Islwyn Senedd Member, TfW chief executive James Price said: “This decision has been taken following the storms in November, whereby several trains suffered wheel damage.

“A repair programme is underway to fix these issues. This will ensure we have enough serviceable trains to increase the timetable on the Newport to Ebbw Vale route in the new year and deliver the service reliably.

“As an operator in the process of transitioning to a brand-new fleet of trains, we have also unfortunately seen delays from our delivery supplier [French train manufacturer] CAF, meaning fewer than expected brand-new Class 197 trains are available to us this December.”

Mr Price said engineers were working fast to repair the trains and that he understood the disappointment.

Ms Passmore said that while the news was disappointing, there was no doubt the new service was coming.

She said: “I have asked to meet with James Price at the Transport for Wales HQ in Pontypridd to discuss this and several issues that have been raised with me by residents.

“The Ebbw Vale to Cardiff passenger railway line, re-introduced in 2008, has been a success story. They key is now delivering on the new service to Newport. Then the introduction of Transport for Wales bespoke trains for the line in 2024 is vital.

“The success of this railway line serving communities in Islwyn is one that I am passionate about. I remain committed to ensuring that it improves further to serve the people of Gwent.”

Around 1.2km of track upgrades was carried out by Network Rail engineers at nine different locations between Crosskeys and Crumlin. This will, according to Network Rail, allow for the completion of a seven-mile loop enabling trains to pass.

The line, which reopened to passengers in 2008 after being closed for more than 40 years, will have two trains per hour – one to Cardiff and one to Newport – and more than 60 services a day.

Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council received a £70 million interest-free loan to carry out infrastructure improvements in its area alongside work by Network Rail and service operator Transport for Wales.

Currently, passengers wanting to travel to or from Newport have to change at Cardiff.