Following the release of details of last year’s public consultation into the planned tramway for Cardiff Bay, it has been confirmed that Cardiff Council have now submitted an application for a Transport and Works Act Order, an important step towards construction of phase one of Cardiff Crossrail.
Phase one of Cardiff Crossrail would see a tramway built to link Cardiff Central railway station and Cardiff Bay – this would be the first time that the two would be directly connected by rail. Whilst only a small section of on-street tramway would be needed as it will link with the existing Cardiff Bay railway line it is just seen as the start of a larger network (although that would be some years in the future).
As part of the scheme there would be a new two-platform station stop located in the southern car park at Cardiff Central railway station. Tram would then run from there, through Callaghan Square and then join up with the Cardiff Bay railway line. An additional third platform would also be built at Cardiff Bay railway station (currently a second is being built). As well as the work to build the tramway, there would be improvements to public spaces on the route.
In autumn 2024 a public consultation was launched and the results of this have helped inform key decisions on the scheme and shape the project which has now led to the TWAO being submitted to the Welsh government.
The results were overwhelmingly in favour of a “direct mass transit link” with 76% of those questioned (1571 responses) either strongly or somewhat agreeing. 19% strongly or somewhat disagreed.
It is hoped that, subject to any delays in the TWAO application, services could commence in 2028. It is fully funded with money from both the Welsh and UK governments having been previously secured.