We’re opening a new platform at Aberdare station
On Sunday 18 May 2025, we’ll be opening our brand-new second platform at Aberdare station. This platform is located to the South of the current platform at Aberdare station, opposite the Sobell Leisure Centre.
The new platform is for ‘arrivals only’. This allows passengers to get off the train at this new location when travelling from Cardiff to Aberdare.
Passengers traveling from Aberdare to Cardiff should continue to use the original platform (Platform 1), as trains will not stop at the new arrivals-only platform (Platform 2) when heading south to Cardiff.
How does this affect passengers travelling to Aberdare?
When the train is travelling northbound (towards Aberdare from Cardiff), the train will stop at the new platform, allowing passengers to get off the train at this new location. After waiting approximately 1 minute, the train will then continue as normal to Aberdare station, ready for its return southbound journey (from Aberdare to Cardiff).
Why have you installed a new arrivals platform?
Due to the location of the Abernant Road railway bridge, we were unable to install a second railway track and platform at Aberdare station without extensive and costly infrastructure enhancements to widen the embankment. Instead, a new platform has been constructed 125m South of Aberdare station, providing better links to local amenities including the Sobell Leisure Centre and local high school.
The new passing loop allows for one service to pull into the new platform, whilst another can wait at the original station, allowing services to pass each other. This will be essential when the frequency of services is increased on the Aberdare line, from 2 trains per hour currently to 4 trains per hour as part of the South Wales Metro.
Can I get on the train at this new platform?
If you’re travelling towards Cardiff, you will need to use the original Aberdare station platform to get on the train. The service will run through the new platform and will not stop.
Is the new platform accessible?
Yes. The new platform has ramp and step access, with level boarding from the platform onto our new electric trains.
Can I still get off at the original platform?
Yes. When the train is travelling northbound (from Cardiff to Aberdare), it will stop at the new platform first and will continue to the original platform, approximately 1 minute later. Passengers are welcome to remain on the train and get off at the original platform.
Can I use pay as you go at this platform?
We’re working to install a pay as you go card validator at the new platform. As this isn’t quite ready yet, we’d encourage passengers who need to tap out at the end of their journey to get off at Platform 1 (the original station platform). A pay as you go validator is located on this platform, next to the station ticket office and at the end of the access ramp.
How far is the walk from the original platform (platform 1) to the new platform (platform 2)?
The new arrivals platform is located approximately 300m walk (around 3-4 minutes) from the original station. Access to the new platform is via the Sobell Leisure Centre Car park.
