Despite being in a big city, it is one of the smallest and least connected train stations in the UK, but now some extra stops are finally being added to its network.
For almost two decades, Cardiff Bay single-platform station has only offered a four-minute direct shuttle service along a one-mile single-track branch to Cardiff Queen Street, the second busiest station in Wales.
A change of train was necessary to continue the trip.
However, as of Sunday, June 2, everything is ready for a new era, with Transport for Wales launching a new service between Cardiff Bay and Pontypridd, around 20 miles away, stopping at all stations along the way, including Radyr and Llandaf.
Historic Cardiff Bay, in the Butetown district, was built in the 1840s by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and was initially known as Cardiff Bute Docks station.
For almost two decades, Cardiff Bay’s single-platform station has only offered a four-minute direct shuttle service along a one-mile single-track branch to Cardiff Queen Street. Starting Sunday, new routes are added.
Pictured above is a train on Cardiff Queen Street bound for Cardiff Bay.
The station was “home to the first steam passenger train service in Wales and was vital to Cardiff becoming the important international port it became in the 19th century”, according to Victorian society.
The new train route will run between Monday and Saturday, and although the frequency of trains at the station will be reduced to five per hour, it is expected to increase to six next year.
Cardiff Bay is also experiencing great job to add a second platform and track. Additionally, a new stop is being built at the top of Butetown.
Once completed, there will be more frequent services from the South Wales valleys to the bay using new electric trams. The new models will have three carriages with the capacity to accommodate 256 people.
The expansion of Cardiff Bay railway station is part of a wider project. £1 billion investment improve the rail network in Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys.
From Sunday 2 June, everything is set for a new era: Transport for Wales launches a new service between Cardiff Bay and Pontypridd.
Engineers are building an additional platform at Cardiff Bay station
The station will be connected to the city’s new £100 million street tram service, which will provide transport to the main Central rail hub in Cardiff.
Construction on the project will begin next summer and is fully funded by the Welsh and UK governments.
The plan is to link the tram service with a £250 million indoor stadium, due to open in 2026, and a new Cardiff Parkway station on the east side of the city.
The new tram service is expected to be up and running in less than five years, ready for Cardiff to act as host city when the UK and Ireland welcome the 2028 European Football Championship.
Transport for Wales chief executive James Price, formerly commented on the start of the project, saying: ‘The Bay Line transformation project is an important part of the South Wales Metro.
‘We are delighted to be able to begin construction work on the new station in Butetown, as well as major improvements to Cardiff Bay station.
“From 2024 we will deliver a smoother, greener and more modern public transport service that will open up a range of opportunities for people living in Butetown and the wider Cardiff Bay area.”
The extension forms part of a wider £1bn investment to improve the rail network in Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys. Cardiff Bay is pictured above.
