Park and ride scheme could create 600 new spaces
PLANS to create hundreds of extra parking spaces at stations across Rhondda Cynon Taf have been agreed and will now move forward.
The 10 stations earmarked for improved parking measures as part of the council’s new park and ride schemes are at Treherbert, Ynyswen, Treorchy, Llwynypia, Trehafod, Fernhill, Cwmbach, Abercynon, Pontyclun and Llanharan – where a combined total of more than 600 new parking spaces could be created.
They were chosen from 19 reviewed by the council across Rhondda Cynon Taff, for having a “high level” of passenger usage.
The identified land at each station for the extra car parking space is either next to or within a “reasonable walking distance” from each station, and the number of spaces that can be added at each site ranges “from five to more than 200”.
The 10 are listed alongside Porth, which had already received funding to create 50 extra parking spaces, to be created by 2018/19.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council and cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “Cabinet members agreed that there are good opportunities to expand park and ride facilities at 10 local stations, which would have major benefits for commuters in terms of saving on travel time and fuel costs, as well as reducing congestion on our roads and benefitting the environment.
“We know there is a commitment to enhance rail capacity on the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines by 2022, and cabinet agreed that providing more parking at local stations would represent an important investment from this council, to help residents take advantage of extra public transport provision.”
It follows the meeting of the cabinet on September 28, when they considered a report outlining the findings of a park and ride capacity review, which recommended a programme taking forward new schemes.
Coun Morgan added: “The council was granted funding by the Welsh Government to deliver the successful Porth Park and Ride Scheme which, from September 2016, saw 73 extra spaces provided, which has been well-received locally.
“It will now be followed by a second phase in 2018/19, which has obtained funding.
“By investing in more park and ride schemes the council will create improved accessibility to sustainable travel, complementing the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal which is investing heavily in the Metro project to improve public transport across south east Wales.”