A new 140-space car park opens at Pontypool and New Inn station after a delay, costing £7.1M, part of the Metro Plus plan.
Construction started almost three years ago, with the car park finally opening on February 28. It includes a new footbridge and lifts for bikes and wheelchairs. This is part of the Metro Plus scheme.
Torfaen Council managed the project, initially aiming for a January opening. However, they awaited permission from the Office of Rail and Road, which arrived in late February.
Work appeared complete in autumn 2023, though it was initially intended to open that summer. Monmouthshire councillors pushed for a swift opening, anticipating it by mid-2024.
The car park is situated by the A4042 road, with a dedicated access road. This aims to prevent drivers from passing through New Inn, encouraging train travel and potentially increasing train services.
On March 3, only six cars occupied the new car park, leaving many spaces vacant. The cycle and motorbike areas were unused, and there was some trash near the station.
One passenger, Ian Brown, faced a canceled train and utilized the taxi pick-up spot, experiencing confusion with his taxi booking. His later train was also canceled.
Parking was full at the New Inn entrance. Electric vehicle chargers are currently not functioning. The facility offers new seats, lighting, CCTV, and updated customer information systems.
The project was funded by the Cardiff Capital Region, with contributions from the Welsh Government and Torfaen Council. Similar Metro Plus projects are underway in Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil.