THE NEWS that the long-awaited passenger rail line between Ebbw Vale and Newport may run by 2017 or 2018 should be welcomed. With the signalling work in and around Newport completed and with planned passing loops and sections of double track, extra trains could run, three trains an hour, one every hour to Newport, providing the funding is committed.

Since the Ebbw railway line reopened in 2008, the new rail service did not connect to Newport and the rest of the south east. This prevented commuters from catching trains to Bristol, Cheltenham and beyond leaving them no choice but to drive to work, feeding congestion on the M4. The variety of lame excuses offered barely concealed the fact that the Welsh Government has been dragging its feet.

Ironically, periodic upgrades to track and signals in and around the Cardiff area lead to services occasionally starting and terminating at Newport. The Ebbw Vale connection could enable extra services to the timetable to be run to and from Abergavenny and Chepstow giving rail passengers extra services.

Jonathan T Clark Plaid Cymru Parliamentary Candidate for Monmouth Constituency