New trains could be on Rhymney rail line next month

Caerphilly AM Hefin David has repeatedly raised concerns over the lack of trains on the busy line, as well as the age of the vehicles which are in place, and raised the issue again in the Assembly this week, saying services on the line were "terrible".

Transport for Wales, which is owned by the Welsh Government, took over control of rail services in south east Wales in October last year, and has promised a series of improvements on services previously run by Arriva Trains Wales - including completely new trains.

Addressing economy and transport minister Ken Skates, Labour AM Mr David said Transport for Wales chief executive James Price had said new vehicles should be on the line by May, or possibly as early as March.

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"Peak time, particularly coming home at peak time, on the Cardiff to Rumney line is terrible," he said.

"Seating is very hard to come by.

"This improvement in March/May would be very welcome.

"Can you provide an update on how progress is being made, what extra seats would likely to be provided, how many extra seats are likely to be provided, and what further progress would be made by the end of this year?"

Caerphilly AM Hefin David

Applauding Mr David for his determination in campaigning for improvements on the line, Mr Skates said: "We aim to have (the new vehicles) on the tracks by May of this year, but it's my hope that we could see them delivered next month.

"I think it's important to reflect on the fact that capacity on the network at the moment is severely stretched, and so I'm pleased to say that capacity will be increased from 212 to 292 seats on those trains that are going to be brought into use."

Mr Skates also said new 'tri-mode- trains - which can be powered by overhead electrical lines, batteries or traditional diesel - were planned to be on the Rhymney line by 2023.

The Welsh Government's economy and transport minister Ken Skates

Although South Wales East AM Mark Reckless raised questions over whether the side of the batteries would make the trains less fuel efficient, Mr Skates said he was confident these types of trains were the best option.

"Huge strides are being made in terms of the development of new lighter, smaller batteries," he said. "I think whilst there is some disagreement amongst experts at the moment, there is recognition that, as technology advances, the weight of battery units in trains and in cars will go on falling and, therefore, those units and vehicles will become more efficient and be able to cope with more passengers as well."