THE TREHERBERT line between Pontypridd and Treherbert reopened to passenger services on February 26, having been closed for nine months while the route underwent extensive upgrading works as part of the South Wales Metro network being established by Transport for Wales.
Initially, two trains per hour will operate along the upgraded route, using Class 150 diesel multiple units for the services. TfW Rail plans to introduce its new tri-mode Class 756s trains and Class 398 tram-trains onto the South Wales Metro network over the coming months.
The works have included the installation of overhead line equipment and the addition of three new loops to allow service frequencies to be increased, along with a new signalling system and station works, including extending station platforms and adding new footbridges for easier accessibility.
TfW said that the transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the South Wales Metro will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the South Wales valleys. The works have been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, coming through the Welsh Government.
TfW chief operating officer Jan Chaudhry van der Velde said: “Replacing the Victorian signalling system with modern colour light signals controlled from our dedicated Valleys control centre has taken some time.
“A comprehensive training programme for the drivers and conductors who work the route has been ongoing since the start of the year and will continue for th
