One million passenger milestone for Vale of Rheidol Railway

Aberystwyth’s Vale of Rheidol Railway celebrated a milestone on July 29, welcoming its millionth passenger since the line gained its independence from British Rail in 1989.

Since passenger services started in 1902 it is estimated that approximately five million passengers have enjoyed the ride to Devil’s Bridge.  

Railway spokesman Will Smith said this milestone was another significant chapter in the railway’s rich history. It was credit to the hard work staff put in to keep the railway going. Over the last few years, there had been a total transformation with restored stations and a more intensive service.

The news comes in a year when the railway has achieved Awards for Excellence in Customer Service from Menter Aberystwyth and TripAdvisor. 

The millionth passengers were the Clark family from Cambridge, who were visiting the area for the first time. They caught the 12.15 train to Devil’s Bridge and were presented with complimentary first class travel tickets worth £75 together with a complimentary lunch supplied by the Two Hoots Café in Devil’s Bridge, courtesy of Alun and Shan Jenkins.

The railway operates passenger services on approximately 250 days a year. Over the last few years, visitor numbers have kept growing and it now welcomes more than 50,000 visitors a year.

As well as the regular excursion trips to Devil’s Bridge, the railway also operates Fish & Chip and Sunday Lunch specials, Halloween Ghost Trains and Santa Trains. 

Photo Caption:

The Clark family with engine driver Pete Smith. 

 NOTES: 

Opened in 1902, the Vale of Rheidol Railway has been operating a passenger service for tourists for more than 100 years. The line, which runs from Aberystwyth to Devil's Bridge is well known for its scenery, sharp curves and steep gradients and is a popular choice with holidaymakers in the region. 

The railway is a quality assured visitor attraction as designated by Visit Wales and attracts around 50,000 visitors annually from all over the world.

The estimated impact of Vale of Rheidol Railway visitors to the local economy in 2011 was just under £1.3 million. Since this assessment was carried out, visitor numbers have increased dramatically, increasing the estimated economic value to more than £2 million annually. 

For many years, the Vale of Rheidol Railway "Y Lein Fach" was part of the national rail network and rose to fame for being the only steam on British Rail before the line was sold in 1989, becoming the first part of BR to be privatised. 

For more information please contact Will Smith, Marketing Officer for the Vale of Rheidol Railway, on email: will@rheidolrailway.co.uk or Tel: 01970 625819 - Option 3.