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 line opened by 30 August 1883, but although business was brisk (due to the Glyn backlog) the company still lacked money for ordinary operational purposes, and a lease to the TVR was discussed. The talks proved successful, and a lease was authorised by Act of 14 July 1884, ratifying the effective date of 5 May 1884.