The Ebbw Valley rail service has carried its 1 millionth passenger since passenger services were reinstated in February 2008, following a gap of 46 years.

This milestone has been reached in half the time predicted due to the popularity of the line and its six new stations linking Ebbw Vale with Cardiff.

Although passenger services ceased in 1962 the line survived to serve Ebbw Vale steel works and 2 steel trains a day used the route until 2002, when the steel works closed.

Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said “The demand for this new service has outstripped all expectations and I’m delighted that we have met this landmark less than two years after I launched the service” He continued by saying “Our original estimations said we would meet this mark after four years. This goes to show what a worthwhile investment this has been and how it is bringing economic and social benefits to many people along this route.”