Local Travel Changes – Know what to expect

The Eisteddfod have been working closely with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and other partners to ensure their event can be delivered safely and effectively, while minimising disruption for residents as much as possible.

This information is for people who live, work or spend time travelling in the “footprint” of the Eisteddfod, including:

• Residents and visitors
• Businesses and their customers/contractors/delivery agents.
• Employees and commuters.
• Those who are not attending the Eisteddfod, but will be travelling into/through Pontypridd while it is being held.

Our key focus is to ensure you have access to the information you need to make informed decisions about travel and transport for during the festival. This will help you plan journeys to work, shopping or socialising. Information for those looking for travel advice to visit the Eisteddfod can find it here.

We have identified key times, dates and locations that are likely to be busier than usual, with people either on foot, in vehicles or using public transport.

We have also outlined locations, facilities and services that may not be operating as usual for the duration of the event, so you can check ahead and know what to expect.

If you plan to attend the Eisteddfod, please be aware special transport arrangements are in place, such as two dedicated Park and Ride facilities. Make sure you check our information on getting to the event here.

We urge visitors to the Eisteddfod not to use town centre car parks, unless for accessible parking, as they will be very busy and are needed for people working or visiting the town centre for appointments.

Key Dates

View the Eisteddfod Map for specific details of locations

• July 31. Full closure of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The last Lido Ponty session is 5.45pm – 7pm on July 30 and park gates will close at 8.45pm the same day. After this, there will be no public or pedestrian access to the park, including Lido Play and Lido Ponty.
  
• 1 August - 11 August. Gas Road Car Park will be restricted to permit holders only. Impacted businesses in the town centre have been contacted and permits may be provided where there is a genuine business need.
• August 3-10. The Eisteddfod will be held on the Maes in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
• August 3-10. Taff Street from the junction with Bridge Street will only be accessible to permitted vehicles between 9am-1am everyday. The daytime Taxi Rank will be located at the top end of Taff Street outside Llys Cadwyn (Taff Vale). From 1am, the nighttime taxi rank will be located outside B&M on Taff Street.
• August 3-10. Closure of Hawthorn Swimming Pool to accommodate Eisteddfod Park and Ride facility at the site.
• August 3-11. Closure of Catherine Street Car Park, to be used as accessible parking for the duration of the event. You will need an Eisteddfod ticket and Blue Badge to access.
• August 3-11. No access to Taff Trail through Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The Taff Trail will be accessible via the alternative route via Pentrebach Road.
• August 6-10.  Maes B runs at a satellite location on land off Berw Road.
• August 9. A Billy Joel stadium concert takes place in Cardiff, which means there will be more people making their way to and from the capital, both before and after the event. Please check in advance the impact this may have on your planned bus, train or car journey.
• August 12. This is when the significant work begins to take down the Eisteddfod infrastructure begins. The park will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so from this date.

Key locations

Locations in and around Pontypridd will see a significant increase in people visiting the area to attend the Eisteddfod and spend time in Pontypridd

You may notice:

• Pontypridd is busier than usual, in terms of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
• Local businesses may change their opening hours to accommodate extra visitors and take advantage of Eisteddfod footfall
• Traffic restrictions in the town centre to keep visitors to the town safe and accommodate the Eisteddfod.

Please bear this in mind and don’t assume things will be the same as usual. Check in advance where possible.

Please see the below list or view the map.

• Ynysangharad War Memorial Park (Eisteddfod Maes)
• The roads surrounding Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and the wider Pontypridd area
• Land between Berw Road and the River Taff (camp site and Maes B)
• The existing Transport for Wales Park and Ride at Abercynon
• Land adjacent to the existing Abercynon Park and Ride (event park and ride)
• Hawthorn Swimming Pool (event park and ride)
• Catherine Street Car Park, Pontypridd (accessible parking)
• University of South Wales Glyntaff Campus (parking and accommodation for event staff and traders)
• Gas Road Car Park, Pontypridd (event infrastructure area)
• Taff Street, Pontypridd (main thoroughfare through town)
• Pontypridd Train Station
• Pontypridd Bus Station
• The Muni (used for events events)
• Yma (used for events)
• Taff Trail leading from the north and the south of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park

Key Times

There are times of the day expected to be busier than usual while the Eisteddfod is in full swing from August 3-10.

Places are likely to be busier throughout the Eisteddfod. We expect 160,000 people to visit over the duration of the event. Extra busy times between 3-10 August are:

• 7am to 12am. The Eisteddfod Park and Rides in Hawthorn and Abercynon operate during these times.
• 8am-11am. Most people make their way to the Maes for the day
• 4pm and 7pm. Many people leave the Maes
• 10pm+. Some Eisteddfod guests will stay on the Maes until later (the final act each evening finishes around 10.15pm and the last bar closes at 12.30am) or remain in Pontypridd venues for the night.

During these times:

• Roads, pavements, and public transport on all routes in and out of Pontypridd may be busier due to an increase in pedestrian and vehicular traffic as people make their way to or from the Eisteddfod, its campsite or its park and rides.
• There could be greater demand for seats and space on buses and trains on all routes in and out of Pontypridd.
• There could be traffic queues or delays due to large numbers of people in cars, on foot or on public transport attempting to access or leave an area, such as the Maes, the campsite or the two Eisteddfod Park and Ride locations.

Hints and tips for a great Eisteddfod:

• Make sure you read the above again, so you are aware of the key dates, times, locations and services that could be affected. Take a look at the handy map of the Eisteddfod area.
• Please check the specific advice and information provided below. If you travel by car, train, bus or taxi there is specific information for you.
• During this time, the area in and around Pontypridd will be extremely busy We urge visitors to the Eisteddfod not to use town centre car parks, unless for accessible parking, as they will be very busy and are needed for people working or visiting the town centre for appointments.
• Remember locations and services you usually access could have a change in arrangements. Please check in advance.
• Be aware roads, trains and buses operating to and from Pontypridd are expected to be busier than usual. Find detailed information here.
• Take note of events happening outside of the area, such as Cardiff and Swansea concerts. We know they often have an impact on travel in and out of the Valleys, which could be increased with the Eisteddfod.
• Remember, some locations you are used to accessing will be restricted, such as Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Gas Road Car Park, Catherine Street Car Park and Taff Street (and associated off-peak parking).
• If you think your plans may be affected, consider adjustments in your usual routine – retime your journey to avoid busy times, or consider walking, cycling or using public transport.
  
• Consider working from home if you are able to or asking to adjust working hours to avoid travel at peak times.
• If you do not have business in the area, then consider travelling a different route. This will prevent you being caught up in congestion, and keep the road network clearer for those who need to use it.
• Keep in touch! Ask questions! Share information We have the dedicated Eisteddfod Travel social media accounts which the Council, and its partners, will be using to share news, hints, tips and more:

Facebook: Eisteddfod Travel Information

X: @EisteddfodTI

 

Finally, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There has not been an Eisteddfod in Rhondda Cynon Taf since 1956 and this is our chance to shine and show the rest of Wales and the world the incredible passion and talent we have in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

 

Key information, depending on how you usually travel.

Car

• Consider leaving your car at home and using public transport instead. Public transport will be quicker and easier if you are travelling to or through Pontypridd.
• If you don’t need to drive into or through Pontypridd, please consider an alternative route to your destination.
• If you are visiting the Eisteddfod please do not use town centre car parks, unless for accessible parking. Available car parks will be very busy and are needed for people working or visiting the town centre for appointments.
• The existing Transport for Wales Abercynon Park and Ride will run as usual, but the surrounding area may be busier as a temporary Eisteddfod bus park and ride will also be in operation from an adjacent site.   
• If you must drive, check the busy times and locations – car share if you can.
• There are few expected road closures in relation to the Eisteddfod, but there will be changes to local parking and access, such as Gas Road and Catherine Street Car Parks, and Taff Street
• Check key locations for the Eisteddfod and assume they will be busier than usual, with more traffic, pedestrians and commuters. Consider a change in your transport mode or adjust plans accordingly.
• Car sharing with a friend or colleague is a great way to split the cost of fuel and catch up as you head to or from work – plus is reduces the number of cars on the road.
• Check events happening outside of Pontypridd, such as the stadium concert in Cardiff, which will increase traffic and demand for parking.

Trains

• Train travel is a great option. In total, up to 12 trans per hour run now run through Pontypridd. There are more frequent rail services with 8 trains per hour between Cardiff and Pontypridd, and more frequent services to Aberdare, Treherbert and Merthyr Tydfil.
• Please be aware services are expected to be in greater demand, and Pontypridd Train Station will be busier, especially at key times.
• Transport for Wales are increasing evening services during the event, with a total of 11 trains after the Eisteddfod closing time (22:15), an increase from 7, and extra services on Sunday 4 August. You can find out more and book your train travel by visiting the Transport for Wales website.
• Please book tickets in advance to avoid queues at the train stations.
• If you usually use Abercynon Park and Ride as part of your commute, the facility will be open and operating as usual. However, be mindful the surrounding area may be busier than usual as a separate Eisteddfod bus park and ride will be operating nearby.
• Train timetables may change during the event – get the latest news on this via our Eisteddfod Travel Facebook and X accounts.
• Consider events happening outside of Pontypridd, such as the Billy Joel concert in Cardiff on Friday June 9, which will increase demand for train services in and out of Pontypridd.
• Use Traveline Cymru to plan in advance.

Bus

• There may be changes to bus timetables, including extended evening services, and stops used during the event to accommodate visitors and the event infrastructure. During the Eisteddfod, local bus operators will be enhancing their services with more frequent and later buses (Sunday services remain the same). Please visit Traveline Cymru to see bus timetables and plan your journey.
• Bus stations and stops may be busier than usual at peak travel periods.
• To help you travel, we are bringing back maximum £1 single fares on buses in Rhondda Cynon Taf from 22 July to 1 September! Full details and travel terms can be found here.

Taxis

• The daytime taxi rank on Taff Street will remain in operation throughout the event outside Llys Cadwyn (Taff Vale).
• The nighttime rank at the southern end of Taff Street, outside B&M, will operate once the road closure is lifted at 1am. 
  

Walking and Cycling

• If you are lucky to live close to the town centre, then walking or cycling is the best option for you to visit Pontypridd. Please note that you will not be able to access Ynysangharad War Memorial Park via the Taff Trail 3-11 August.
• Safe and secure cycle storage facilities are provided at the two main footbridge entrance points into Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. See their locations on our handy map.

There are three main active travel routes that form part of the National Cycle Network which connect to Pontypridd Town Centre.

• NCN8 (Taff Trail) - This is a on and off-road route which provides access to Pontypridd Town Centre via Abercynon and Trallwn in the north and Glyntaff, Rhydyfelin and Taffs Well in the south.
• NCN4 – This is a on and off-road route which provides access to Pontypridd Town Centre from the Treforest/Church Village and Llantrisant area and joins NCN881 to the west of the Town Centre.
• NCN 881/4 – This is an on and off-road route which provides access to the west of the Pontypridd Town Centre from Porth via Maesycoed.

Please note that the section of NCN 4 and 8 through Ynysangharad War Memorial Park will be closed to the general public between the 2nd and the 12th August, an alternative route is available via Ynysangharad Road and Pentrebach Road.

For more information on these routes please visit the Sustrans website.

Advice to the Business Community

• Start planning ahead now to support business continuity
• Check key times, key dates and key locations so you can consider the impact that may be had on your staff, customers or clients.
• Educate yourself and your staff on the event, the impact it could have and the alternative traffic and transport measures you could adopt for its duration.
• Make sure customers, delivery drivers, suppliers and waste management partners are aware of the event, its key locations and busy times. Work with them to make alternative arrangements.
• Consider rescheduling things, such as waste collection, to outside of busy times, or even after the event
• Consider working from home for yourself and your staff (or flexible/adjusted start and finish times) to avoid travelling during busy times or in busy areas.
• Check key times, key dates and key locations so you can consider the impact that may be had on your staff, customers or clients.
• Use our map to understand the footprint of the Eisteddfod and areas/locations likely to be impacted (closures, service reduction, congestion)
• Make the most of it and get in touch with the town centre team, who can assist with promotional ideas and materials during the event, so you benefit from the increased footfall and can also help you learn a little Welsh to join in.