We have been made aware of rumours being circulated about the metro works on the Treherbert line taking longer than expected.
We agree that this would be totally unnaceptable if true, as the people of Treherbert have waited patiently for this work to be completed.
We have contacted Transport for Wales on behalf of residents asking for an update on the situation.
Please see the response that has been sent to us below.
“I am aware that there are a lot of rumours regarding a delay to the transformation work of the Treherbert line. I wish to assure you that the works to the Treherbert line are currently on programme and on schedule. There is a great deal of work to be delivered with significant Overhead Line, Civil Engineering, Stations, and Track works taking place. I can also confirm that the commissioning of the new signalling system will take place during December, following which the track can be brought back into use for driver training ahead of the re-opening.
Regarding rail replacement bus drivers spreading incorrect information, I would like to apologise. I have asked the team to urgently re-brief drivers on the latest progress and to remind them to direct any enquiries on the works to TfW as the official source of information on the project.
I know that social media can be a wonderful tool to share information and reach people instantly, but it can also be misused to spread information that is not based on facts. I would like to assure you that when updates on progress are available, that we will share these at the earliest opportunity via our official channels. We know the disruptive nature of the work is leading to increased speculation and rumours but, whilst we appreciate there is a great deal of interest in the work, we advise people to refer to our official communications for information rather than resorting to sharing speculation.
Our official channels are:
www. tfw.wales/Treherbert
www. tfw.wales/news
We are mindful of the need for our communications to be honest, useful and engaging so – to that end – we do not share all our live project updates. However, we are committed to sharing updates where they will have an impact upon our customers, lineside neighbours and communities, or where there is a major update which is pertinent to the overall project delivery.
Yours sincerely
James Price
Chief Executive”