Porth Park and Ride Expansion Adds 50 Spaces

Work is set to begin on the £1.3 million expansion of the Porth Park and Ride facility, adding 50 new parking spaces. The project, entering its third phase, will utilize unused land behind the Rheola Hotel, near the existing facility. This phase, which received planning permission in April 2026, is expected to be completed in spring 2027, marking a significant step in enhancing local transport infrastructure.

Improving Transport Links

The expansion aims to enhance connectivity for residents and commuters, allowing easier integration of car, rail, and bus journeys. Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council secured Welsh Government funding for this and other transport initiatives through the Cardiff Capital Region Regional Transport Fund. In March 2026, the council successfully obtained a £1.369 million allocation specifically for Phase Three of the Porth Park and Ride project, ensuring its full funding.

Previous phases of the project included the creation of 73 parking spaces at Porth Railway Station, along with facilities like street lighting and cycle parking, and an additional 29-space car park opposite the Rheola Hotel. The upcoming work will involve realigning the industrial estate road to optimize space usage, as well as installing new lighting and drainage systems to improve functionality and safety.

Temporary Disruptions Expected

Construction, led by Centregreat Ltd, is scheduled to start on October 19 and is expected to be completed by spring 2027. During this period, there will be some local disruptions. The area south of the Rheola Hotel and a section in front of the pub will be temporarily closed to facilitate the construction work.

Two-way traffic lights will be in place on the industrial estate road throughout the project, and any necessary work on Rheola Road will be conducted outside regular hours to minimize impact. Night-time road closures for resurfacing will also be required, with the council providing advance notice to ensure residents and commuters can plan accordingly.

Encouraging Public Transport Use

This initiative aims to reduce road traffic, improve journey times, and benefit the environment by promoting sustainable travel options.

The Porth Transport Hub, opened last year in partnership with Transport for Wales, has already unified rail and bus services with live departure screens and additional facilities like a taxi rank and cycling amenities. The new parking spaces will further enhance accessibility for local residents and commuters, making the hub even more convenient and user-friendly.