Getting back on track (From Barry And District News)

Getting back on track

GAME ON: Strategic Rail Authority chairman & chief executive Richard Bowker, Network Rail's chief executive John Armitt and Minister for economic development & transport Andrew Davies.

A £17 million project aimed at bringing passenger rail services back to the Vale of Glamorgan for the first time since the 1960s is underway.

The project, which was funded by the Welsh Assembly government, will see new stations built at Llantwit Major and Rhoose.

The Strategic Rail Authority is providing £5.4 million in additional funding over three years to enable the new train service to operate. The new passenger service, which will start running in spring 2005, will be operated by Arriva Trains Wales.

Councillor Jeff James, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "I am delighted that this project is now underway. I am sure that the service will be well used by the people of the Vale of Glamorgan and will help us in our endeavour to attract tourists to the Vale. I am sure the service will be of enormous benefit to people commuting to Cardiff and Bridgend.

"I know many people thought this would never happen but it has and the service will be up and running next year."

Andrew Davies, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, said: "The service will bring a number of benefits, not least the provision of a vital link to Cardiff International Airport, which is very good news for the Vale of Glamorgan and for Wales as a whole."

Initially additional signalling work will also be carried out to increase the capacity of the route and upgrading of the track which will allow trains to travel at a higher speed than at present.

Jon Horne, Managing Director of Cardiff International Airport, said: "The opening of the rail link means our passengers will have a choice in how they get to and from the airport, which will appeal to a whole new audience, many of whom will be beyond Wales and our traditional catchment area. This will increase the attractiveness of the airport to airlines, which means improved prospects for new routes developing for the benefit of Cardiff and Wales as a whole."