Electrification by 2019 was announced in the Department for Transport's High Level Output Specification of 2012,[2] but later cancelled.

Junctions at both Tondu and Cymmer connected with east–west routes across the Llynfi and Afan valleys.

The Maesteg branch was closed to passenger trains in 1970 (though it remained in use for coal traffic until 1988), and the link with the Afan Valley was lost due to the closure of the Cymmer Tunnel.

A long campaign in the late 1980s and early 90s, resulted in the reopening of the line in 1992 as far as Maesteg by British Rail and Mid Glamorgan County Council.

[5] but it is expected that eventually services on the line will be operated using Class 231 FLIRT units [6]However.