Ebbw Valley railway hits one million passenger mark

The Ebbw Valley rail service, operated by Arriva Trains Wales,celebrated carrying its millionth passenger today, reaching thelandmark in less than half the time expected.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy andTransport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, joined passengers on the 8.40am fromEbbw Vale Parkway to Cardiff to mark the occasion.

“The demand for this new service has outstripped allexpectations and I’m delighted that we have met this landmarkless than two years after I launched the service,” hesaid.

“Our original estimations said we would meet this markafter four years. This goes to show what a worthwhile investmentthis has been and how it is bringing economic and social benefitsto many people along this route.

“This service is an excellent example of our continuedcommitment to the One Wales goal of delivering a truly sustainableand integrated transport system for Wales.”

Mr Jones was joined on his journey by representatives fromBlaenau Gwent Council and Arriva Trains Wales.

Des Hillman, leader of Blaenau Gwent Council said: “Afterthe closure of the steelworks, local people showed typical BlaenauGwent spirit and began the work of regeneration. Calling for therailway to be re-built was part of this.

“The news that the railway is such a success is a boostfor our confidence. And it has already strengthened our handin bidding for more Heads of the Valleys programme funding andinvestment.

“We have an ambitious and exciting vision to regenerateour county borough – now we must all work together to seizethe opportunity to win the investment that can make it happen.

“Thanks are due to all our partners for making this happenand to the community for – quite literally – getting onboard!”

Mike Bagshaw, commercial director of Arriva Trains Wales, said:“We have been delighted with the popularity of this servicefrom day one and it illustrates a wider trend of strong passengergrowth in South Wales. The success of the Ebbw Vale lineillustrates ATW’s commitment to improvement and growth in therail transport network.”

The service – linking Ebbw Vale with Cardiff CentralStation – was made possible thanks to a £30m projectfunded by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The project included construction of six new stations along theroute – at Ebbw Vale Parkway, Llanhilleth, Newbridge,Crosskeys, Risca & Pontymister and Rogerstone. The new stationsinclude a range of facilities including car parks and CCTV systemsfor improved passenger safety.