New Ebbw Vale to Newport rail service launched (video)

Regular rail services between Ebbw Vale and Newport are running from today, for the first time in more than 60 years.

Passengers can now travel direct to Newport or Cardiff every hour, with thirty trains per day now running between Newport and Ebbw Vale.

Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters launched the new service today on a visit to Llanhilleth railway station, saying: “This would not have happened without the Welsh Government stepping in with investment. It has taken a long time and required a lot of investment but the doubling of the frequency of trains will make a difference to all the communities along the route."

A £70m Welsh Government loan was made to Blaenau Gwent council to increase infrastructure on the line, allowing the project to be completed on time and within budget. Alongside this work, The Department for Transport and Network Rail have provided a further £17m of funding to deliver the signalling upgrade at the south end of the line, delivered by contractor Siemens.

Transport for Wales will start running new trains on the line this spring as part of a Welsh Government £800m investment.

Councillor John Morgan, Cabinet Member, Place and Regeneration and Economic Development at Blaenau Gwent Council commented: "A more frequent rail service will no doubt improve opportunities for inward investment, access to employment both within and outside of the local area and improves public transport for everyone in Blaenau Gwent."

A return ticket from Ebbw Vale Town to Newport will cost £8.30 or £29.10 for a seven-day season ticket (correct up to March 2024).

The Ebbw Vale line reopened in 2008 after being closed for 40 years, offering direct services to and from Cardiff Central. Stations were reopened at Rogerstone, Risca and Pontymister, Crosskeys, Newbridge, Llanhilleth and at a new park and ride site - Ebbw Vale Parkway. Passenger growth exceeded expectations, with one million journeys made after the first 18 months of services.

Further works launched today include the extension of the passing loop between Crosskeys and Aberbeeg, and the installation of a new platform and lifts at Newbridge and Llanhilleth stations.