“Survey shows demand for better Sunday services” says Cynon AM

The results of a survey conducted by Assembly Member Vikki Howells have highlighted a clear demand for better Sunday train services on the line between Aberdare and Cardiff, the Cynon Valley AM has suggested.

 

The AM conducted the online survey after being contacted by constituents who said that they had difficulty getting to Cardiff for employment on a Sunday, due to the infrequency of Valley Line rail services on that day.

 

118 people responded to the survey, which showed that:-

• 66% of respondents currently use Sunday rail services between Cynon Valley and Cardiff;
• 24% use the service weekly; and
• 14% would like to use it but could not because the timetable is unsuitable.

The survey also highlighted that 95% of respondents would like to see more regular Sunday trains.

 

Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells said:-

‘At the moment, there are just seven return train services between Cynon Valley and Cardiff on Sundays, and this is clearly inadequate for people needing to travel for work, leisure or to visit family.

 

‘The first train to Cardiff doesn’t leave Aberdare until 9:54am, and if you finish work you can have a long wait to get home. This is clearly not acceptable, forcing many Cynon residents to discount public transport as a viable proposition.

 

‘Having raised this with the First Minister, I agree with his comments that public transport provision needs to meet the demands of our communities and the many people for whom Sunday is a normal working day.

 

‘I have forwarded the results of this survey to Arriva Trains Wales, and look forward to discussing with them how they can improve their service – with nineteen out of twenty respondents agreeing the frequency of Sunday train services must improve, there is a clear case here for change.

 

‘Thanks to all Cynon residents who have taken the time to contribute their views to this survey’.