As well as the immediate settlement, Hirwaun might plausibly become an attractive railhead for a wider rural area via the heads of the valleys, avoiding such traffic having to go to into Aberdare or further south. I agree the extension is not an immediate priority but it could be added fairly easily and quickly after the current modernisation has been completed.The population of Hirwaun is only about 5,000. Would extending the Cynon Valley rail line beyond its current natural terminus of Aberdare, which is a substantial town with a population of 40,000, really be worthwhile or viable? There is already a frequent bus service from Aberdare to Hirwaun (at least Mon-Sat daytime). This extension has been under "limited" consideration for many years, but does not form part of the major upgrade to the Valley Lines now in progress.