As part of a series of transport drop in events with Transport for Rail, Chris Elmore MP and I arranged our latest meeting at the Tondu Railway Club.

The event provided a vital platform for local residents to engage directly with representatives from Transport for Wales (TfW) and Network Rail, discussing critical issues and updates concerning the Maesteg-Cardiff rail line.

Attendees were given a comprehensive overview of the ongoing challenges and progress in developing a more reliable and integrated rail service. A year on from the last meeting, it was evident that significant efforts are being made across various fronts.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting:

Data Stats from Network Rail

• Performance on the route in recent weeks is improving in terms of On Time To 3 (this is an industry metric that measure arrivals/departures to be within 3minutes of their scheduled time).
• Between 2 February to 26 April 2025, On Time To 3 has reached 77.71%.
• Almost 54% of all delays on the route are non-Transport for Wales related – caused by infrastructure issues or other train / freight companies on the main line. Some of the key delay themes include trespass and infrastructure failures linked to signalling and axle counters. TfW delays as a theme are mostly related to driver and fleet.
• Almost 85% of trains now operating between Maesteg and Cardiff are using our brand-new Class 197 trains.
• Trains have been formed equally (50%/50%) of 3 carriages formation during peak times and 2-carriage during the day.
• 2,286 services with Tondu in the planned stopping pattern operated, of these only 14 services terminated/started at Tondu when originally planned to start at Maesteg.
• This therefore represents a Tondu turnback percentage rate of 0.6% – a drastic decrease compared to December 2023.
• Transport for Wales will be hosting a TfW community drop-in session for September 2025 at Maesteg – details to follow.

 Operational Resilience: Discussions highlighted the persistent challenge of unpredictable Welsh weather, leading to increased cancellations during autumn and winter. However, attendees were reassured by observations of improved storm impact management and proactive vegetation control measures undertaken by TfW in collaboration with Network Rail. Efforts to address wheel slip issues through new and refurbished wheel lathes were also positively noted as a tangible step towards mitigating common autumnal disruptions.

Ticketing Innovation and Integration: A major focus was on the ambitious “TfW Tap & Go” initiative, described as a UK first, aiming for ease of use and lower capped fares. While this revolutionary technology promises significant benefits, the meeting acknowledged current integration hurdles, particularly with OAP railcards on apps and with Transport for London (TfL) systems. The ambitious timeline for TfW to become the main ticketer for multi-modal journeys across Wales by 2028/2029, linking thousands of routes, underscores the complexity and scale of this undertaking. Plans for a sophisticated ticketing system capable of analysing travel habits were also shared, signalling a forward-thinking approach to service optimisation.

Station and Platform Experience: The dedication of rail staff, such as those at Baglan station who were commended for their “above and beyond” service, was a highlight. However, concerns were raised regarding inconsistent information at Cardiff station during incidents, making decisions difficult for Valley Line passengers. The stress associated with arriving at Cardiff Central without a dedicated platform, particularly for the Maesteg line, was a recurrent theme. While platform refurbishments are underway to alleviate congestion, the desire for a dedicated Maesteg platform remains a significant aspiration. Increased security measures across stations were also reported.

Seamless Integration and Fair Fares: Progress on integrating with bus companies through the Welsh Government’s new ‘Bus Bill’ was welcomed. However, the complexities of integrating fares from private bus operators, which can vary significantly across regions (e.g., higher fares in Port Talbot), were discussed, emphasising the need for continued efforts towards fairness and simplicity.

Communication and Passenger Confidence: Addressing concerns about unclear messaging and outdated trains with non-working GPS, TfW is focused on rebuilding passenger confidence. While overall passenger satisfaction is reportedly growing, the core challenge is to encourage more people to return to rail travel. Significant recruitment of drivers and staff is underway. Attendees stressed the importance of enhanced communications, suggesting the use of local social media hubs to share positive travel experiences and the consideration of special offers and discounts for families.

Capacity and Freight Growth: Network Rail confirmed that capacity is available to meet Department for Transport targets for increasing freight services. Anticipated increases in steel movements from Port Talbot and petroleum trains from Haverford West highlight the growing demand. The Tondu loop remains a crucial priority, with collaborative efforts between Network Rail and TfW seeking funding from both governments to upgrade and maintain this vital infrastructure.

Facilities, Development, and Safety: Updates were sought on the proposed Ewenny Road Park and Ride facility, currently at the outline planning stage. Safety concerns at stations and park and ride services, notably at Sarn, were discussed. Issues with full car parks, closed toilets (especially at night), and vandalised on-train facilities underscored the need for continued investment in amenities. While more toilets are being built, challenges persist. The idea of opening the north end of Bridgend station was raised but not currently planned due to security and anti-social behaviour concerns, highlighting the importance of ticket gates. Research into fare evasion and the balance between protection and cost-effectiveness for penalty fares are ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term viability of the railway.

The meeting at Tondu provided an invaluable forum for people to directly convey their experiences and concerns to Transport for Wales and Network Rail. While there are undeniable hurdles, particularly with infrastructure and integrating new technologies, the open dialogue and detailed responses from the transport providers were highly beneficial. It is clear that TfW is grappling with a multitude of interconnected challenges, from the impact of extreme weather to the complexities of integrating cutting-edge ticketing systems. However, there is also clear ambition and a willingness to invest in the future of our railway. While significant progress is being made, particularly in areas like operational resilience and ticketing innovation, issues around consistent communication, basic passenger amenities, and ensuring seamless integration across all transport modes remain crucial.

We will continue to press for the necessary investments and operational efficiencies to ensure our constituents have a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly public transport system they can rely on.