New train line planned for Cardiff.

A crossrail tram train line looks close to becoming a reality between Cardiff Bay and the city centre.

A report commissioned by the Welsh Government last year revealed the possibility of a Crossrail tram-train route in Cardiff. In addition, new platforms are suggested south of Cardiff Central train station, potentially at Callaghan Square.

Announcement

An announcement shows the operator is going ahead with a new line from Cardiff Central to the Bay.

The plans are part of the Welsh Government's South Wales Metro scheme, a £734million public transport network. Originally scheduled for completion in 2023, TfW said last year there would be a delay of "months".

The TfW website states: “A new connection from the south side of Cardiff Central across Callaghan Square will... be introduced to connect with the Bay Line, serving the Butetown community, employment at Capital Quarter, and the new Atlantic Wharf development, with a new interchange being established at Pierhead Street.”

Integrated Transport

Inspired by London's integrated transport system, the South Wales Metro will connect Monmouthshire (east) and Bridgend (west). In addition, connections will be formed to Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil in the north.

The vision is for people to use the same ticket or travel card across south Wales. This would be through to the old Valleys Lines network using rail, tram and bus services. Cardiff would be the main hub.

A new train station, Cardiff Parkway, is planned for St Mellons in east Cardiff. Expected times for journeys to Cardiff Central or Newport are just seven minutes. TfW hopes it will be built by 2024, and will run eight trains an hour to Cardiff and Newport.

Control Centre

According the Transport for Wales website, another part of the scheme is a new £100million control centre and depot in Taff’s Well. TfW hopes to build a bridge to connect the depot to the rail network by autumn.

The Metro will see four tram-trains travel into Cardiff each hour from locations including Merthyr, Treherbert and Aberdare — up from the current one or two an hour.

The latest update on the TfW website says:

“The first Metro extensions will be from Aberdare to Hirwaun, utilising the old freight line that used to serve the Tower Colliery."

It adds: "We hope to open up new and improved stations on the Core Valleys Network including Treforest Estate and Gabalfa and will look to increase frequencies on the City, Coryton, Maesteg and Ebbw Valley lines."