HUNDREDS of rugby fans were left stranded at Abergavenny railway station last Saturday morning after Arriva Trains Wales failed to make adequate provision for the huge, but foreseeable demand of people planning to travel to Cardiff for the Wales-South Africa international.

Local man Chris Titchener almost missed the chance to see the Welsh grand-slam heroes take on the rugby world champions at the Millennium Stadium because of the poor to non-existent supply of extra carriages laid on by Arriva.

In fact, Chris was only able to make the 2.30 kick-off, because instead of taking a gamble on what in all probability would be a 'train in vain', he opted to obtain a refund on his ticket purchases and used a car to get him to the match on time.

Chris told the Chronicle, "Alongside around about another 100 passengers, I failed to board the 10.10am, 10.33am, and 11.10am trains to Cardiff.

"Each train comprised just two carriages, and although all the trains stopped, they were already crammed with passengers to a level I regarded as dangerous."

In scenes of what Chris describes as complete chaos, he revealed how the Arriva staff alarmingly allowed others to attempt to board carriages already overflowing with passengers.

After forsaking Arriva's ability to ferry him to the capital not only on time, but more importantly, in a safe and comfortable manner, Chris joined the growing line of passengers seeking refunds for their tickets.

Ironically, upon seeking his refund, Chris noticed how the ticket clerk was still issuing tickets in the knowledge that passengers would be unable to board the following capacity laden trains.

"He actually warned passengers they would not travel and placed a pile of complaint forms in front of his booth," said Chris, before adding, "In my opinion Arriva Wales have once again treated the travelling public with total disregard for reliable travel, comfort, and above all personal safety.

"Whilst we in Abergavenny were unable to board trains, it inevitably meant passengers at Pontypool Road, Cwmbran and Newport had similar experiences.

"Arriva can be in no doubt about the dates of the Autumn test series and the Wales 2009 home fixtures, when the Abergavenny-Cardiff service is in most demand.

"Like many, I used my car to travel to Cardiff, increasing carbon emissions and adding to already congested traffic conditions in the capital. The alternatives were expensive taxi fares or miss the match.

"I have forwarded my complaints to Arriva wales, because above all, I really believe passenger safety was compromised last weekend, and that is a major concern for all of us."

Another local rugby fan left bemused and more than a little disgruntled by Arriva's shortcomings on the day was Dai Morgan who told the Chronicle, "I brought return tickets to travel from Abergavenny to Cardiff on Saturday and turned up early for the 11.12am as is my usual custom on match day

"The day before when I bought the tickets I was told to 'get there early if you want to get to the match.' Naively I thought four hours before would be quite OK as I have been doing the same for the past ten years.

"Unfortunately in the end we had to arrange our own transport to Newport whilst others hired taxis and mini-buses to get to the game on time.

"There was a very enterprising young lad at the station who had already coughed up for his train ticket, and was running around organising a mini-bus for everybody, but the perpetrators of this disaster offered basically nothing.

"In these times when everybody is mumbling about 'carbon footprint' Arriva could be making it a little simpler by putting on sufficient carriages.

"Ironically enough, the following day I took our overseas guests to the station for the 10.34 am train, and they boarded a virtually empty five-carriage train to Newport.

"The sports calendar is published well in advance yet it seems Arriva is incapable of anticipating the demand for seats, but are very happy to take the money without providing the service. Shame on them."

In response to our reader's concerns, Arriva Trains Wales head of franchise and stakeholder communication Michael Vaughan told the Chronicle, "On event days at the Millennium Stadium, Arriva Trains carries an estimated 35,000 rugby supporters from all over Wales into Cardiff.  This is in addition to passengers using our services who are not travelling to the event. All available resources are in operation and we always advise customers that services will be available on a first come first served basis.

"In the case of Abergavenny station, ATW organised buses to transport passengers who were unable to board the trains on Saturday. The services on this route will be reviewed for future rugby internationals."