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Plans for Cardiff tram link unveiled

Monday, 16 September 2024 at 10:03

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Artist's impression (The Urbanists)

Plans have been revealed for the first phase of a new tram system linking Cardiff Bay with the city centre.

A public consultation is being launched on the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project, which would link the two railway stations at Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay.

Transport for Wales (TfW) and the city council say the plans would significantly improve the network between the two areas of the Welsh capital.

It's hoped the first phase of the network will be up and running by early 2029 - and depending on funding, the system will extend across Cardiff.

Cllr Dan De’Ath, cabinet member for transport at Cardiff Council said: "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." 

£150 million of UK and Welsh Government funding has already been secured for phase one, which would see the Crossrail trams initially run from a new dedicated station in the southern car park at Cardiff Central and cross through Callaghan Square to join the existing Cardiff Bay line.

Cardiff Bay railway station would see a third platform being added - with work already underway on a second platform to accommodate the South Wales Metro scheme.

A further extension to the first phase could see Cardiff Bay station being connected with a new station on Pierhead Street, subject to further funding being secured.

Both TfW and Cardiff Council want to gather feedback on the proposed designs for the new tramway as well as any improvements to public spaces along the route, connecting neighbouring communities, places and attractions.

Dan Tipper, TfW’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, said: "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.”  

The public consultation on the scheme runs until Sunday 27th October - with a series of drop-in events taking place throughout.

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