Llantrisant and Taff Vale Junction Railway
In time the Canal became overwhelmed by the volume of traffic, and encouraged by the successful opening of railways with more advanced technology than the horse tramways of previous years, the Taff Vale Railway was promoted. It was authorised by Parliament in 1836 and it opened between Merthyr and Cardiff docks in 1841. The line passed close to the Maesmawr workings but did not make a connection.
Llantrisant and Taff Vale Junction Railway
The Treferig Railway found it almost impossible to raise funds for its construction, and the TVR, thinking the line had potential, agreed to guarantee 4% on the line's capital. This was objected to by the GWR, but an accommodation was reached with them. The Treferig still found it difficult to get all the money it needed for the construction, and the TVR provided a loan. There was some urgency as a stockpile of coal was accumulating at Glyn Colliery, waiting for transport away. The steep gradients meant that trains were always propelled up the branch.