The tramway is the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, a project by Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW), aimed at improving the railway network between the city centre and Cardiff Bay.
The public is invited to share their views on the project – which will be the first time that the two areas of the city will be connected directly by rail – as part of a six-week consultation running from September 16 to October 27.
The consultation can be accessed online at haveyoursay.tfw.wales/cardiff-crossrail.
The scheme includes the construction of a new two-platform station in the southern car park of Cardiff Central railway station, allowing for easy interchange.
The proposed tramway will run from this new station, through Callaghan Square, to join the existing Cardiff Bay line and continue to Cardiff Bay.
A third platform will also be built at Cardiff Bay railway station as part of the scheme.
This is in addition to the second platform currently being built as part of the ongoing transformation of the Cardiff Bay line through the South Wales Metro.
Cardiff Council and TfW are seeking feedback on the proposed designs for the new tramway.
They are also welcoming views and ideas on improvements to public spaces along the route to better connect neighbouring communities, places, and attractions.
Councillor De’Ath, cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning, and transport at Cardiff Council, said: “The Cardiff Crossrail project has been a long-held ambition for a long time and when fully complete will connect some of the most deprived communities in Cardiff to the railway network for the first time.
“Subject to funding, the Cardiff Crossrail will eventually run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway railway station.
“To start this process, the first phase of the scheme must be built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay.
“This will finally ensure that Butetown is properly connected to the city centre, through the new tramway, providing further capacity for residents and visitors to access the wide range of attractions that Cardiff has to offer.
“We want the public to engage in the consultation process, so they can give their feedback on the very first phase of this exciting project.”
Dan Tipper, TfW’s chief infrastructure officer, said: “Today, in partnership with Cardiff Council, we’ve shared exciting plans for the delivery of a brand-new tramway between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station.
“These plans align with work already underway to build a new track on the Cardiff Bay line, 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, encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel.
“We want to hear as many thoughts, opinions and questions on the proposals as possible, which will help to inform key decisions on the scheme.
“Contributions from our communities will help to shape this project so we can deliver a public tramway that people are proud of.”
A series of drop-in events will be held to give the public opportunities to talk to the teams involved, learn more, and ask questions about the proposals.