Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW) have unveiled plans for a new tramway that will directly connect Cardiff Central Railway Station to Cardiff Bay by rail for the first time. This new tramway marks the first phase of the long-anticipated Cardiff Crossrail project, aimed at significantly improving the city’s transport network.

The proposed tramway will run from Cardiff Central’s southern car park through Callaghan Square, joining the existing Cardiff Bay line and ending at Cardiff Bay station. The project includes building a new two-platform station in the southern car park of Cardiff Central, designed for easy interchange, and adding a third platform to Cardiff Bay station. This expansion builds on the ongoing transformation of the South Wales Metro.

The six-week consultation on the plans, running from 16 September to 27 October 2024, invites residents to share their views. Public drop-in events will also be held to provide more information and answer questions about the proposal.

Cllr De’Ath, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning, and transport, praised the project, highlighting how it will finally connect Butetown to the city centre. He added that the long-term goal is to expand the Crossrail network across Cardiff, linking the northwest and east, including the proposed Parkway railway station.

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW, echoed these sentiments, stating that the new tramway aligns with efforts to build a faster, more frequent service on the Cardiff Bay line using new tram-trains. He stressed that this development would contribute to a more sustainable transport network for Cardiff, encouraging residents to opt for eco-friendly transport options.

The Cardiff Crossrail project aims to deliver substantial benefits for both residents and visitors by enhancing accessibility and sustainability across the city.