One of the UK’s oldest and least connected railway stations is set for a major £1 billion upgrade.
Cardiff Bay’s single-platform station, in Wales, has for almost two decades only offered a direct train down a one-mile branch line to Cardiff Queen Street, the country’s second busiest station.
However, from next weekend, this will change as some trains from Cardiff Bay will also travel to seven other stations as part of an investment into improving the rail network in Cardiff and the south Wales valleys.
The station, built by renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1840, was instrumental in making Wales a global power during the Industrial Revolution.
Known initially as Cardiff Bute Docks station, it transported coal from the mines around Merthyr Tydfil to the docks in Cardiff for worldwide export.
From next weekend, Transport for Wales commences a fresh, direct link connecting Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay – making stops at every railway station along the way.
The frequency of the trains, however, is expected to drop to five per hour but will go back to six next year once a second track is installed.
Engineers will also build an additional platform at Cardiff Bay station, a new stop in the upper part of Butetown and newer train models equipped with the capacity to hold up to 256 people within just three carriages.
As well as this, the city’s new £100m on-street tram service promises seamless transit between the bay and the mainline Central train hub in Cardiff.
The plan is to help link up the train service with the forthcoming £250m indoor arena, set to open in 2026, and a new Cardiff Parkway station on the city’s east side.
It’s hoped that the new tram service will be ready and running in less than five years to pave the way for Cardiff to play host city when the UK and Ireland welcome football’s European Championship in 2028.
“The Bay Line transformation project is an important part of the South Wales Metro,” said James Price, CEO of Transport for Wales.
“We’re delighted to be able to begin construction work on the brand-new station in Butetown, as well as important upgrades to Cardiff Bay station.”