Public consultation launched for Cardiff Crossrail project

Cardiff residents are invited to have their say on a brand-new tram system connecting Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff Bay. This marks the first phase of the Cardiff Crossrail project, a joint effort by Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW).

The public consultation, which runs from September 16th to October 27th, 2024, aims to gather feedback on the proposed designs. You can share your thoughts online at haveyoursay.tfw.wales/cardiff-crossrail

The initial phase will see a new two-platform station built in the southern car park of Cardiff Central Station, connecting passengers with existing services towards Swansea and eastwards towards Bristol and the south west. The tramway will then travel through Callaghan Square before joining the existing Cardiff Bay line. An additional third platform will be added to Cardiff Bay Station, further increasing capacity. This is in addition to the current South West Metro project which is also currently building a second platform at the station.

"The Cardiff Crossrail project has been a long-held dream," says Cllr Dan De'Ath, Cardiff Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport. "When completed, it will connect some of Cardiff's most deprived areas to the rail network for the first time."

The long-term vision for Cardiff Crossrail stretches from the city's northwest to the east, eventually connecting with the proposed Parkway railway station. However, the initial phase focuses on the crucial link between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay which TfW and Cardiff Central will significantly benefit Butetown residents as well as the near 400,000 visitors to the city each year.

"We urge the public to actively participate in this consultation process," emphasises Cllr De'Ath. "Your feedback is vital in shaping the very first phase of this exciting project."

TfW's Chief Infrastructure Officer, Dan Tipper, said: "These plans align with our ongoing work to create a faster and more frequent service using brand-new tram-trains," he explains. "Ultimately, we hope the new tramway will encourage a more sustainable transport network, with fewer cars on the road."

Public drop-in events will also be held, offering opportunities to meet the project teams, learn more about the proposals, and ask questions.