UK: Transport for Wales is undertaking public consultation on options for a tram-train route to link Cardiff Central station with a future station at Newport Road.
This would incorporate parts of the existing Cardiff Bay branch and freight lines as well as new alignments.
Four route options are being considered for the proposed Blue Line, passing either north of south of Roath Dock. A fifth option envisages the development of a prioritised bus route rather than a tram-train connection.
As well as the Blue Line service from Cardiff Central to Newport Road via Cardiff Bay and Pierhead, TfW envisages that Red Line tram-train services could be extended to Porth Teigr and Alexandra Head. Two services per hour from each of Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil are intended to run to Cardiff Bay, providing six trains/h hour on the upgraded branch from Queen Street.
Construction of any extensions would follow the current upgrading of the Cardiff Bay branch, which includes the opening of an intermediate station at Butetown.
The consultation runs until January 30. Feedback will be used to inform the selection of a single preferred route option for the Blue Line, enabling the development of an outline business case with a view to securing funding.
