Transport for Wales (TfW) has released a first look at the consultation results for its Cardiff Crossrail phase 1A project. Cardiff Crossrail is a joint venture between TfW and Cardiff Council to improve urban mobility in the centre and is part of the wider Metro scheme, which aims to provide faster, greener, and more reliable transport to the public in the South Wales Valleys.
The proposal for phase 1A involves a new tramway connecting Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay by rail for the first time. The plans include a new two-platform station stop located in the southern car park of Cardiff Central railway station, a new tramway from the same location crossing Callaghan Square, an additional third platform at Cardiff Bay railway station, and improvements to public spaces on the route to connecting neighbourhoods.
TfW have released preliminary results for the following areas of the consultation:
- Cardiff needs a direct mass transport link.
- Proposals for a new segregated cycle lane across Callaghan Square.
- Proposals for improved footways and increased public realm space.
- Proposals for additional greening in the city centre (trees, planting, sustainable drainage).
The results show overwhelming support from the public, with the majority of 1,571 respondents agreeing to each above area. This is a promising start to the project as it shows the public’s support for the developments.
Plans for the tramway were designed in collaboration with The Urbanists who have previously worked with Cardiff Council to rejuvenate several key areas of the city, including Atlantic Wharf and Canal Quarter.
The Metro project started around 2020 with engineering and infrastructure works focusing on electrifying the valley lines. TfW believes this “investment in faster, greener trains will make [their] services more efficient and sustainable.”
Further plans for the Cardiff Crossrail will explore the possibility of a brand-new station on Pierhead Street, subject to additional funding.
Similar projects exist across the UK, such as Edinburgh’s tram system. Although initially described as “hell on wheels” by the previous chairman of Edinburgh Trams during its construction, the system is now considered quite popular, with passenger numbers doubling after a new extension was built in 2023.
Full consultation results will be released in early 2025, with deeper insights into the public’s responses and plans for ongoing developments.
The Cardiff Crossrail project aims to enhance connectivity and improve the railway network between Cardiff Central railway station and Cardiff Bay. By creating a direct tramway connection, the project will benefit the wider city and region. Key aspects of the project include the construction of a new two-platform station in the southern car park of Cardiff Central, a tramway route passing through Callaghan Square to join the existing Cardiff Bay line, and the addition of a third platform at Cardiff Bay railway station. Additionally, the project aims to improve public spaces along the route and explore the possibility of a new connection to a station on Pierhead Street, subject to additional funding.
