Arriva begins services on newly re-opened Ebbw Valley Railway

Arriva Trains Wales has started operating passenger rail services on the newly re-opened Ebbw Valley Railway launching the first train into service from Ebbw Vale Parkway station and bringing passenger services to the line for the first time in 40 years.

The Welsh Assembly Government and Blaenau Gwent Council formally re-opened the line on Wednesday 6 February 2008 – the first such project in the UK to be led by a local authority.

The new passenger service runs hourly from Monday to Saturday, with the first train leaving Ebbw Vale at 6.40am and the last at 10.40pm. For the return trip from Cardiff Central, the first train leaves at 6.35am and the last at 10.35pm.

Mike Bagshaw, commercial director for Arriva Trains Wales, said: “Arriva Trains Wales is delighted to be running hourly passenger services on the Ebbw Valley line. This is an important component in the economic regeneration within Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly County Boroughs and will provide a sustainable form of transport for travel to and from these areas to Cardiff and beyond.”

Cllr Hedley McCarthy, Leader of Blaenau Gwent Council, said: “This marks an historic day – the re-opening of passenger services to Ebbw Vale after more than 40 years. The railway – and its bus links – are an integral part of our plans for building a stronger and more resilient local economy in Blaenau Gwent.

“We are all looking forward to the opportunities it gives us to travel to neighbouring communities and to Cardiff whether for business or leisure.”

Cllr Harry Andrews, leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: "The opening of this new railway line signals an exciting new future for passenger transport services across the region. As well as greatly improving the transport network across the area, this development has an even more important role in helping to connect communities along the length of the line. Here in the Caerphilly county borough we are delighted to have three new stations which will bring many benefits to local people, as well as playing a major role in helping to regenerate our communities across this area.”

Trains run a two hourly service on Sundays – the first train leaves Ebbw Vale at 8.41am and the last at 8:41pm. For the return trip from Cardiff Central, the first train leaves at 7:40am and the last at 7.30pm.

A connecting hourly bus service runs between Ebbw Vale Parkway station and Ebbw Vale town centre until 7.35pm and an hourly bus service runs between Rogerstone station and Newport until 7.15 pm.

For more information on the Ebbw Valley services please visit www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk