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.
Cardiff Queen Street railway station
The first station close to the site of the current station, was opened by the Taff Vale Railway in October 1840 and was known as "Cardiff Taff Vale". This station had one platform to begin with, but a second was added in 1862, and at the same time, the head office of the Taff Vale Railway was moved alongside the station. In 1887, Taff Vale station was demolished and replaced by a new station with the current name "Cardiff Queen Street", which at this time consisted of two through platforms and a south facing bay, all covered by a large overall roof.