Cardiff’s new multi-million-pound bus station is finally set to open, offering a host of modern amenities and facilities. Located next to Cardiff Central Station in the city centre, the Cardiff Transport Interchange will officially open its doors on Sunday, June 30.

The new bus station features 14 bus bays, office space, 318 apartments, and four retail spaces. However, coaches will not be running from the bus station initially, as Transport for Wales (TfW) is still exploring how to integrate this service in the future. Currently, two businesses are poised to move into the retail units, with discussions ongoing for the remaining spaces.

Since the closure of Cardiff’s previous bus station in 2015, the city has been without a central hub for bus services. Planning permission for the new facility was granted by Cardiff Council in 2018, but the project faced numerous delays, pushing the original completion date from 2022 to the current opening.

Although the bus station will become operational on June 30, not all services will be fully functional immediately. Initially, the station will operate at about 40% capacity, with plans to scale up to full capacity over the coming months. Once fully operational, the station will be able to handle 60 services an hour.

Inside, the station boasts various amenities, including live train information displays, accessible toilets, benches with chargers, water refilling stations, and a changing places room. The design aims to offer a seamless connection between the bus station and Cardiff Central, enhancing the overall public transport experience.

In recent years, some bus companies, including Cardiff Bus, have made changes to their timetables and reduced services due to funding challenges and post-pandemic recovery. However, there has been a steady increase in bus patronage as more people return to using public transport for their commutes.

The new bus station is expected to play a significant role in promoting public transport usage by providing a high-quality facility for passengers. As it opens its doors, Cardiff residents and visitors alike can look forward to improved transport connectivity and convenience.