Passengers using the Vale of Glamorgan line are claimed to be facing “crushed” conditions during peak hours and are demanding action from Transport for Wales (TfW) to increase capacity and improve the service.
Andrew RT Davies, Conservative Senedd member for the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend, has backed the calls after receiving a complaint from a constituent. TfW has said it is committed to enhancing service frequency on the Vale of Glamorgan line
Mr Davies said: “My inbox is flooded with emails from constituents demanding upgrades to services on the Vale of Glamorgan line.
“It is little wonder – we’ve been promised more frequent services for the best part of a decade, yet passengers still face cramped conditions during peak hours.
“It isn’t good enough and it’s time policymakers put the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend first.”
The complaint highlighted that the 6.54am and 7.54am trains from Llantwit Major to Cardiff Central are full by the time they reach Rhoose, with standing room only and severe overcrowding between Barry and Cardiff.
Mr Davies has raised the issue with TfW, calling for more frequent services and additional capacity to address the ongoing problems.
He also criticised what he claimed was a lack of investment in the line, arguing that other parts of the rail network had been prioritised for electrification and new trains.
A spokesperson for TfW said: “TfW remain committed to enhancing service frequency on the Vale of Glamorgan line and are progressing plans to deliver this improvement.
“Delivery remains dependent on a small number of key factors, including fleet availability and infrastructure requirements, which we are actively working through with partners.
“We are working closely with Network Rail and Vale of Glamorgan Council to align on these milestones and will provide further updates as plans are confirmed.”
While TfW says upgrades are in progress, no clear timeline has been given for when passengers can expect relief from the claimed overcrowding.
