Rhondda Line

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Rhondda Line
KBFa
Treherbert
HST
Ynyswen
HST
Treorchy
HST
Ton Pentre
HST
Ystrad Rhondda
HST
Llwynypia
HST
Tonypandy
HST
Dinas Rhondda
HST
Porth
HST
Trehafod
ABZrg HLUECKE
Merthyr Line and Aberdare Line
HST
Pontypridd
HST
Trefforest
HST
Trefforest Estate (closed Sundays)
HST
Taffs Well
HST
Radyr
HLUECKE ABZrf
City Line
HST
Llandaf
HST
Cathays
ABZrg HLUECKE
Coryton Line & Rhymney Line
BHF
Cardiff Queen Street
ABZlf HLUECKE
Butetown Branch Line
BHF
Cardiff Central
LUECKE

The Rhondda Line is a railway line in South Wales from Cardiff to Treherbert. The line follows the Merthyr Line as far as Pontypridd, where it then diverges to continue along the Rhondda Valley.

The places served by the line are listed below:

The line is currently operated by Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) as part of the Valley Lines network. ATW replaced the previous franchise, Wales & Borders Trains in December 2003.

The first section of the line, as far as Pontypridd, is historically, part of the Taff Vale Railway, from Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil. At Pontypridd the Rhondda branch diverges and follows the course of the Rhondda Valley. Now single track beyond Porth, the branch suffered from being singled in the early 1980s, just prior to the commencement of the revival of the Valley Lines network. By 1986 a passing loop was constructed at Ystrad Rhondda station (itself newly built, with the original station of that name renamed Ton Pentre), to enable a half hourly service to be introduced. Another new station was opened at Ynyswen on the same day.

In March 2007 it was announced that platforms on the branch are to be lengthened to enable 6 car trains to run, together with leasing of an additional 8 Class 150s for the whole network.