New plans have been unveiled for a tramway connecting Cardiff Central railway station directly with Cardiff Bay for the first time.

The initial phase of Cardiff Crossrail, undertaken by Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW), promises to enhance the railway network connecting the city centre with Cardiff Bay, offering substantial benefits to the broader city and region.

The public is invited to participate in a 6-week consultation starting 16th September, and concluding on 27 October 2024. The consultation can be accessed via: haveyoursay.tfw.wales/cardiff-crossrail   

The plan includes the construction of a new two-platform station situated in the southern car park of Cardiff Central railway station, ensuring seamless interchangeability at the station.

The proposed tramway is set to extend from the current southern car park at Cardiff Central Station, passing through Callaghan Square before merging with the existing Cardiff Bay line, leading to Cardiff Bay.

A third platform is being constructed at Cardiff Bay railway station, complementing the second platform currently under development. This expansion is part of the broader transformation of the Cardiff Bay line within the South Wales Metro project.

Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales are seeking feedback on the proposed designs for the new tramway. They are also inviting suggestions for enhancing public spaces along the route to better connect adjacent communities, landmarks, 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.” 

Cllr De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport at Cardiff Council

“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.”  

Dan Tipper, TfW’s Chief Infrastructure Officer

A sequence of drop-in events will provide the public with opportunities to engage with the teams involved, learn more about, and inquire about the proposals.