Trams could be running in Cardiff for the first time in almost 80 years within the next three years as plans for the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail progress. Phase one may only be a short section of line linking Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay but it is intended to be the start of a larger network which will revolutionise transport in the Welsh capital city.
The plans for the tram link have been floating around for a while and last autumn saw a public consultation exercise into the project which has seen Cardiff Council make a number of changes to the design. The key changes will be:
- The north section of Bute Street, travelling towards Cardiff Bay will remain open to traffic to ensure better road access between Butetown and Cardiff Bay
- A commitment to access and inclusion groups to continue to engage through the detailed design process
- More planting and green infrastructure on Callaghan Square
- Improved bus movements on Custom House Street and a replacement bus layover on Park Street
The first phase is fully funded and is supported by joint funding of £100 million from the Welsh and UK governments. It will see a link between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay and will include a major redevelopment of the highway network around Callaghan Square to connect the tram/train to the existing Cardiff Bay railway line. There will also be the addition of a new tram/train platform constructed at Cardiff Central.
No new vehicles will be needed for this line as Transport for Wales already have a fleet of Tram-Trains (Stadler Citylinks) which have been delivered and are under testing. They will enter service as more conventional trains to start with but once the tramway is operational will make use of their flexibility.
Cardiff Council will now seek official powers to construct the tramway. This will come in the form of a Transport and Works Act 1992 which will give permission for phase 1a of the line (that linking Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay) to be built. The application process is likely to take around 12 months and provided there are no delays in the approval its planned that services will start in 2028.
Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cardiff Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Climate Change, said: “Cardiff Crossrail is a bold and ambitious plan to deliver a new tram system for the city – one that will eventually stretch from the northwest to the east, connecting with the proposed Parkway Station. With further investment, we aim to create a reliable, affordable cross-city tram service that links some of Cardiff’s most underserved communities to the rail network for the first time.
“This is a long-term investment in Cardiff’s public transport infrastructure – designed not just to move people, but to transform how they move. While the cost of this section reflects the scale of the work, some of the funding will go towards improving public spaces and integrating walking and cycling routes. This is about building a greener, more sustainable transport system – like those already operating in cities such as Manchester, Nottingham and Edinburgh.”
Dan Tipper, Transport for Wales’ Chief Infrastructure Officer, said: “We’re continuing to work in partnership with Cardiff Council on exciting plans for the delivery of a brand-new tramway between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station. These plans align with the delivery of the Cardiff Bay line transformation, 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, which will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel.
“We’re grateful for the contributions we received from our communities in the public consultation which was held back in autumn. This feedback will be vital in helping us shape this project so we can deliver a public tramway that people are proud of.”
Heidi Alexander, UK Government Secretary of State for Transport, added: “This project marks real progress in delivering better, greener transport for Cardiff. Crossrail will make it easier for people to get around the city and open up new opportunities for jobs, business and growth.
“We’re serious about improving transport in every corner of the UK as part of our Plan for Change which is why we’re investing at least £445 million into rail projects alone in north and south Wales. With phase one set to complete in 2028, Cardiff is on track for a stronger, better-connected future.”
Key planned milestones in the project will be:
- Summer 2025 – start of some enabling ground and site investigation works
- Late 2025 – completion of detailed design
- Spring 2026 – start of some enabling highway and public realm works
- Late 2026 – start of construction of the tram track and associated platforms at Cardiff Central
- 2028 – completion of all infrastructure works
- Summer 2028 – services start
Once phase 1a is competed attention will turn to a proposed phase 1b. This secondary phase is currently unfunded but its hoped it would see an extension through the Flourish and Pierhead Street area, alongside new pedestrian crossings and a segregated cycleway connecting Roald Dahl Plass to the new Cardiff indoor arena.