TfW opens six-week engagement on Aberdare to Hirwaun Metro rail extension

Transport for Wales (TfW) and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council have opened public engagement on extending passenger rail services from Aberdare to Hirwaun, with the six-week exercise running from 12 October to 22 November 2026.

The scheme would bring passenger trains back to the existing but unused railway corridor between the two towns, which TfW said was previously used for freight. New stations are proposed at Llwydcoed and Hirwaun, alongside improvements to the local walking, wheeling and cycling network and better integration with other public transport.

TfW said the extension forms part of the future expansion phases of the South Wales Metro. Discussions remain at an early stage, although initial studies have already been carried out under the Metro programme.

Rob Jones, Strategic Development Programme Manager at TfW, said: "Improving access to jobs, education and healthcare can make a real difference to people's lives, and we want to ensure local knowledge and local priorities help inform the next stage of development."

Status of the scheme

TfW's have-your-say page is explicit that the exercise is not a statutory consultation and is not seeking views on a final scheme. No decisions have been made on the final design, the type of railway, or whether the scheme will proceed at all.

The same page notes that a possible future extension to the Tower Colliery site is being considered beyond the Llwydcoed and Hirwaun stations.

On its project page, TfW said further surveys and investigation will be required to determine future infrastructure requirements because of the project's early stage. The scheme is part of the CCRTA Metro Plus programme and is progressing through the Welsh Government's WelTAG requirements.

TfW is working with the council, the Welsh Government and the Cardiff Capital Region on the proposals.

Drop-in events

Two in-person sessions are planned. The first takes place at Sobell Leisure Centre, The Ynys, Aberdare, CF44 7RP, from 15:30 to 18:00 on 14 October 2026. The second is at Hirwaun Village Hall, High St, Hirwaun, Aberdare CF44 9SL, from 15:30 to 18:00 on 20 October 2026.

An online survey is also available, which TfW said takes about five minutes to complete.

Jones said: "Whether you support the proposals, have questions or concerns, or simply want to share your views, we'd encourage everyone to get involved and have their say."

Wider rail programme

TfW's announcement places the Aberdare to Hirwaun scheme within its Today, Tomorrow, Together vision for rail across Wales and the borders, first published on 18 February 2026. That document lists future phases of the South Wales Metro among its long-term plans.

According to TfW, £4.4bn of projects in its long-term pipeline are already developed and ready for delivery, with potential to scale to £10bn more as funding allows. It also reported that monthly station stops on its network rose from 188,000 in 2018 to more than 320,000 in 2024/25.

In a written statement dated 23 February 2026, First Minister Eluned Morgan MS described the rail vision as a £14bn package jointly backed by the Welsh and UK governments. The Welsh Government said it builds on the UK Government's £445m commitment for rail in Wales announced in the Spending Review, and follows the Welsh Government's £1.1bn investment to upgrade and electrify the Core Valley Lines.

What happens next

TfW said feedback from the engagement will inform future design work and business case development. It plans to review the responses in winter 2026/27, publish an engagement report in February 2027 and continue developing the case for investment during 2027.