Development of new Park and Ride Schemes agreed by Cabinet
Cabinet Members have agreed to progress plans for 10 new Park and Ride Schemes, which would see hundreds of additional parking spaces created at train stations across the County Borough.
At their meeting on Thursday, September 28, Cabinet considered a report outlining the findings of a Park and Ride Capacity Review, which recommended a Captial Programme of new schemes to take forward.
In total, 19 stations were reviewed across the County Borough, of which 10 have land that could be utilised for Park and Ride Schemes. The report recommended the stations, which have a high-level of passenger usage, were put forward for further feasibility or delivery.
The 10 stations put forward are at Treherbert, Cwmbach, Ynyswen, Treorchy, Llwynypia, Trehafod, Fernhill, Abercynon (Phase 2), Pontyclun and Llanharan – where a combined total of 600+ new parking spaces would be created.
The identified land located at each station is either next to or within a reasonable walking distance from each station, and the number of spaces that can be accommodated at each site ranges from five to more than 200.
Phase 2 of Porth Park and Ride Scheme is not included on the list, because it has already obtained Welsh Government funding to create an additional 50 parking spaces, which will be delivered in 2018/19.
Cabinet Members agreed to support the schemes highlighted for progress, and to establish a Capital Programme of Park and Ride Schemes for development and delivery.
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.
“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.”
