Transport for Wales (TfW) has revealed plans for a brand-new tramway from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay, connecting the two directly by rail for the first time.
The first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, which is being delivered by Cardiff Council and TfW, will significantly improve the railway network between the city centre and Cardiff Bay, benefiting the wider city and region.
Members of the public are being invited to share their views as part of a 6-week consultation which runs from today (16 September) to 27 October 2024.
The scheme will deliver a new two-platform station located in the southern car park of Cardiff Central railway station, with easy interchange at the station. The proposed TfW new tramway will run from the current southern car park at Cardiff Central station, crossing through Callaghan Square to join the existing Cardiff Bay line and onto Cardiff Bay.
A third platform will be built at Cardiff Bay railway station as part of the scheme, which is in addition to the second platform already being built as part of the ongoing transformation of the Cardiff Bay line, through the South Wales Metro.
Cardiff Council and TfW are looking for feedback on the proposed designs of the new tramway proposals. Views and ideas are also welcome on improvements to public spaces on the route to connect neighbouring communities, places and attractions.
“The Cardiff Crossrail project has been a long-held ambition for a long time and when fully complete will connect some of the most deprived communities in Cardiff to the railway network for the first time. Subject to funding, the Cardiff Crossrail will eventually run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway railway station. To start this process, the first phase of the scheme must be built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. This will finally ensure that Butetown is properly connected to the city centre, through the new tramway, providing further capacity for residents and visitors to access the wide range of attractions that Cardiff has to offer. We want the public to engage in the consultation process, so they can give their feedback on the very first phase of this exciting project,” said Cllr De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport at Cardiff Council.
Dan Tipper, TfW’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, said: “Today, in partnership with Cardiff Council, we’ve shared exciting plans for the delivery of a brand-new tramway between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station. These plans align with work already underway to build a new track on the Cardiff Bay line, which will allow faster and more frequent services using brand-new tram-trains.
“Our ambition is that the new tramway will contribute towards a more sustainable transport network for Cardiff, encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel.
“We want to hear as many thoughts, opinions and questions on the proposals as possible, which will help to inform key decisions on the scheme. Contributions from our communities will help to shape this project so we can deliver a public tramway that people are proud of.”
A series of drop-in events will give members of the public opportunities to talk to the teams involved and learn more and ask questions about the proposals.
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