Plans to create better links between bus and rail in Pontypridd

RCT Council has secured funding to convert a small area of the former bingo hall site in Pontypridd into new bus stop bays – to create greater integration between bus and rail services as part of the wider South Wales Metro scheme.

The bus bays and waiting facilities will also allow southbound buses on A4058 Sardis Road to serve the bottom end of the town centre.

Working closely with the Cardiff Capital Region Transport Authority, we have secured funding from Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund and Regional Bus Infrastructure Programme. We will also work with Transport for Wales to review opportunities for greater integration between bus and rail at Pontypridd Railway Station forecourt.

The project will consider how pedestrian movements between the rail station and the town can be enhanced, and identify how cycling can be encouraged.

The project will require structural changes at the former bingo hall site, to support the new bays. Advanced works including utility diversions will take place ahead of the main construction project, which will start early next year – aiming for completion in summer 2024.

Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Investment, said: “I’m pleased the Council has worked closely with Cardiff Capital Region Transport Authority and secured significant funding from Welsh Government’s Local Transport Fund. The funding will deliver bus lane improvements at Sardis Road and look into improvements at the railway station.

“The new bus bays will be delivered next summer, improving public transport access at the southern end of the town centre – while increasing integration between bus and rail journeys. The work will complement the delivery of the South Wales Metro, which will introduce high frequency, faster trains and increase the number of services running via Pontypridd every hour.

“The former bingo hall site forms a vital part of the Council’s southern gateway regeneration plans within Pontypridd Town Centre – to be delivered alongside a riverside plaza using the former Marks and Spencer site. Cabinet received a progress update on this proposed investment in May 2023. Members agreed to progress plans for a high-quality public realm using most of the bingo hall site, while incorporating the additional bus bays.

“The newly-secured funding will allow officers to continue to design this scheme, and we will communicate further details about the construction phase to deliver this investment in due course.”