Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport has expressed his serious concerns over the issue of passenger train services during a forthcoming Welsh international rugby game.
Cllr Andrew Morgan has contacted Arriva Trains for clarification and reassurances that rugby fans from the county borough who visit Cardiff for the game will not be left stranded in the capital city.
Fears have been expressed by rugby fans that they could be left without a train ride home after Wales’s Friday-night game against France because Arriva Trains Wales confirmed it will not be laying on extra services to supporters.
The Six Nations match at the Millennium Stadium will finish around 9.30pm and could leave up to 35,000 people travelling by rail alone. Arriva Trains Wales has indicated that extra carriages would be made available but not extra services.
Cllr Andrew Morgan explained: “Arriva Trains Wales has been given plenty of notice of this Welsh international rugby game which will undoubtedly see thousands of people travel from Rhondda Cynon Taf to Cardiff for the event.
“I want clear reassurances that supporters will not be left stranded in the city because the train company has decided that no extra services will be made available and that passengers will only be able to get on board on a first-come, first-served basis.
“I’m seeking clarity that the Cynon Valley passenger train will have four carriages instead of two an the Rhondda-bound train will have six carriages instead of the usual four.
“Clearly this is a major concern to supporters and I hope and I hope the rail company will realise that this could potentially cause widespread chaos in the capital after the game.”
