Latest news with #WelshTube
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Huge £1 billion train upgrade in chaos as locals fume over 'missing' feature
Bold plans to transform the railway system as part of a £1 billion upgrade has garnered heavy criticism as bosses confirm new electrified trains will be missing one specific amenity Railway plans to transform connectivity in south Wales have sparked heavy backlash amongst locals. Touted as the ' Welsh Tube ', the £1 billion mega project - which was first proposed back in 2013 - offers a ground-breaking solution to long waits and traditional timetables stagnating travel in the region. But upon completion, a 105-mile long network will see 36 brand new tram-trains carry tourists and commuters across the core Valley Lines, linking areas such as Cardiff with Coryton, Rhymney, Aberdare, and Treherbet - with certain journeys running every five minutes in the day. As previously reported, the South Wales Metro project will operate on a colour-coded map and allow passengers to 'tap in and out' with contactless payment barriers. Those living in or around Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, and Treherbert will have access to four trains per hour (every 15 minutes) while those around Caerphilly will get six trains per hour and Pontypridd will see 12 trains per hour (every five minutes) running to the Welsh capital. With new electric tram-trains already starting test runs in the Valleys - the project is nearing its first phase. However, locals weren't too happy when they discovered the state-of-the-art vehicles did not feature any onboard toilets. According to Wales Online, one person described the lack of loos as 'absolute madness', adding: "We certainly are going backward in Wales." Another commented: "This is shocking, I have a funny feeling there's going to be lots of urine on the floor on a Friday and Saturday night," while a third penned: "People need toilets, what's with the Welsh government?" Others were quick to defend the decision, arguing that Tube trains, buses, and cars do not have toilets either. "Some people would whinge about winning the lottery!" one reader fumed. "How many buses have toilets on board?" Another argued: "If you put toilets in they have to be accessible to all and as a result the area lost to seating and standing is huge. You also have to take the trains out of service to empty the tanks because you can't just dump it on the tracks anymore. It's much better to do away with them and have them in fixed locations so they have the space to do it properly and they have proper access to electricity, water and sewerage." When asked about the backlash, a Transport for Wales (TfW) spokesperson told the Mirror that it is currently 'testing' a brand-new modern Class 398 tram-trains that will run on electric and battery as part of the South Wales Metro. These will have the ability to run on-street as well as on the rail network, but 'global rolling stock market' for this type of train-train with onboard toilets is 'limited'. "They are built to quickly move as many people as possible and adding toilets on board would significantly reduce the capacity of the trains," the spokesperson added. "This type of train is used successfully in other cities within the UK and no other Metro system in the UK runs this type of tram with toilets onboard. "We want to ensure our passengers still have access to toilet facilities when using our network. To do this, we're installing 10 new*, fully accessible toilets at key locations across these lines and upgrading our existing station facilities, so that passengers can be confident a toilet will always be available within a 20-minute journey on our network." *In addition to the existing toilet facilities across the South Wales Metro area, 10 stations getting new toilets are Abercynon, Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Tonypandy, Treherbert, Cwmbach, Llwynypia, Merthyr Vale, Penrhiwceiber and Treorchy.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Wales is about to get its own metro network – here's what it means for visitors
It has been dubbed the 'Welsh Tube'. It hopes to transform car-free travel around South Wales. And it comes with a colour-coded map reminiscent of the London Underground. But the South Wales Metro, the new £1 billion transport system from rail operator Transport for Wales (TfW), is less 'Mind the Gap', more 'What's occurrin'?'. The Metro promises 105 miles of largely overground travel, linking the Welsh capital with major visitor attractions at Caerphilly and Barry Island, among others. Think greener, quieter trains on six electrified lines, new stations, better access and a contactless payment system – much like London's Oyster card. But don't expect it tomorrow. The project aims for completion in 2026, forming part of a wider transport plan around Cardiff. Works are ongoing, and the line that runs to Rhymney, north of Cardiff, for example, will be subject to dreaded rail replacement services throughout this summer. 'We're working through the transformation of the Valleys Lines with some 70 per cent of lines now electrified and new trains rolling out,' says Kelsey Barcenilla, stakeholder manager for TfW. 'In the short term, passengers can expect a better experience, more frequent services and ticketing improvements, plus a new bus interchange near to Cardiff Central station. Longer term, the South Wales Metro will entice more passengers away from their cars, given the improved infrastructure.' It's good news for visitors confused by Wales's controversial 20mph speed limit. While still enforced on roughly one third of roads, some local councils have reversed the limit back to 30mph. Despite criticism, the speed limit has been credited by the Welsh Assembly Government for a decrease in the number of casualties from road collisions. But letting the train take the strain, and changing lines easily, is now more viable with increased weekday, evening and Sunday services between Cardiff and the heads of each valley (Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Treherbert). The project also takes a step towards facilitating the Cardiff Crossrail, the on-street tram service, linking Cardiff Central with Cardiff Bay. It hopes to be operational when the city acts as a host city for the 2028 European Football Championship. The rollout of the South Wales Metro has not been universally welcomed, however. The focus is on South Wales with little obvious benefit to other regions. Celebrations are underway to mark the centenary of the birth of the Valleys-born actor Richard Burton, but while Port Talbot is on the rail network, the village of Pontrhydyfen, where he was born, requires car access. To head to Wrexham, where the Hollywood-backed football team just secured a historic third promotion to play in the Championship next season, visitors would currently need to catch a train to Shrewsbury – across the English border – and change to a Chester train via Wrexham General. Transport links will be explored as the former industrial city in North East Wales bids to be the UK City of Culture 2029. Concerns over links between South and North Wales are further compounded by the prospect of a £1.25 per night tourism levy to be introduced across Wales from 2027 if the legislation clears the Welsh Parliament. 'It may be good for tourists visiting Cardiff and the valleys but no, there's no benefit beyond Merthyr, or towards Pembrokeshire,' says Sean Westlake, chair of Wales Official Tourist Guides Association (Wotga). 'There are links across Wales with the two trunk roads through Mid Wales and TrawsCymru buses, but the journey times are long.' 'What Wales really needs, sustainable transport-wise,' he adds, 'is a more integrated system of train and bus between south and north.' For people travelling around South Wales, however, there is car-free industrial heritage, ancient castles, and kiss-me-quick fun to be had, plus a wider move towards smoother, greener travel. 'I'm excited for the link from Rhymney to Barry via Cardiff,' says Kelsey at TfW. 'I'll be heading to Barrybados with the family for seaside days out.' And that, as Nessa would say, is 'tidy'. It may not be open just yet, but it's never too early to dream up the excellent Welsh minibreaks the new trains will make possible. Just pick your favourite destinations, and mark your calendar. Start your day in Cardiff Bay, taking in sites such as the Wales Millennium Centre, a must for Doctor Who fans, the Senedd parliament building and the hidden gem Norwegian Church, the old seaman's chapel turned arts centre. Then jump on the train for the hour-long journey to Caerphilly, home to the largest castle in Wales – and a crumbly, white cheese. The castle saw action battling Welsh princes and English Civil War skirmishes, before the Marquess of Bute restored it in the 1920s. It's a short walk from the station, with glorious grounds for sunny-day mooching. From Queen Street, it's one hour to Merthyr, the line running via Llandaff in Cardiff's leafy north-west suburbs. Jump off for a stroll around the village, where the writer Roald Dahl attended school in the 1920s in the shadow of the towering Gothic cathedral. A blue plaque outside the former High Street sweetshop recounts the story of the Great Mouse Plot, his boyhood prank to leave a dead mouse in a jar of Gobstoppers. Back on the train, it's a story of industrial heritage, with Merthyr once the world's largest iron-producing town. Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Gallery tells the story of the town's radical past, while the 160-acre parkland has a model railway and family activities. After breakfast in Cardiff, exploring the cafes of the Victorian arcades, or a stroll in Bute Park, make a day-trip pilgrimage in the footsteps of Gavin and Stacey. It's only 40 minutes away, but there are, confusingly, three local stations. Barry Island is best for kitsch seaside fun, and Barry station itself is nearest to the Goodsheds, a new shipping-container village packed with shops, restaurants and bars. Try Cozy Tapas for bottomless brunch and stock up on Welsh craft ales at Craft Republic, a dog-friendly independent bar and bottle shop. There's a self-guided trail of locations from the television series to download. Take a selfie by the mural outside Marco's, the promenade café where Stacey works in the show and Nessa's Slots amusement arcade round the corner. Stacey's home is the final stop, the residential house at 47 Trinity Street regularly attracting a small gathering of devotees. Crackin'. See Traveline Cymru for travel updates. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Wales is about to get its own metro network – here's what it means for visitors
It has been dubbed the 'Welsh Tube'. It hopes to transform car-free travel around South Wales. And it comes with a colour-coded map reminiscent of the London Underground. But the South Wales Metro, the new £1 billion transport system from rail operator Transport for Wales (TfW), is less 'Mind the Gap', more 'What's occurrin'?'. The Metro promises 105 miles of largely overground travel, linking the Welsh capital with major visitor attractions at Caerphilly and Barry Island, amongst others. Think greener, quieter trains on six electrified lines, new stations, better access and a contactless payment system – much like London's Oyster Card. But don't expect it tomorrow. The project aims for completion in 2026, forming part of a wider transport plan around Cardiff. Works are ongoing, and the line that runs to Rhymney, north of Cardiff, for example, will be subject to dreaded rail replacement services throughout this summer. 'We're working through the transformation of the Valleys Lines with some 70 per cent of lines now electrified and new trains rolling out,' says Kelsey Barcenilla, stakeholder manager for TfW. 'In the short term, passengers can expect a better experience, more frequent services and ticketing improvements, plus a new bus interchange near to Cardiff Central station. Longer term, the South Wales Metro will entice more passengers away from their cars, given the improved infrastructure.' It's good news for visitors confused by Wales' controversial 20mph speed limit. While still enforced on roughly one-third of roads, some local councils have reversed the limit back to 30mph. Despite criticism, the speed limit has been credited by the Welsh Assembly Government for a decrease in the number of casualties from road collisions. But letting the train take the strain, and changing lines easily, is now more viable with increased weekday, evening and Sunday services between Cardiff and the heads of each valley (Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Treherbert). The project also takes a step towards facilitating the Cardiff Crossrail, the on-street tram service, linking Cardiff Central with Cardiff Bay. It hopes to be operational when the city acts as a host city for the 2028 European Football Championship. The rollout of the South Wales Metro has not been universally welcomed, however. The focus is on South Wales with little obvious benefit to other regions. Celebrations are underway to mark the centenary of the birth of the Valleys-born actor Richard Burton, but while Port Talbot is on the rail network, the village of Pontrhydyfen, where he was born, requires car access. To head to Wrexham, where the Hollywood-backed football team just secured a historic third promotion to play in the Championship next season, visitors would currently need to catch a train to Shrewsbury – across the English border – and change to a Chester train via Wrexham General. Transport links will be explored as the former industrial city in North East Wales bids to be the UK City of Culture 2029. Concerns over links between South and North Wales are further compounded by the prospect of a £1.25 per night tourism levy to be introduced across Wales from 2027 if the legislation clears the Welsh Parliament. 'It may be good for tourists visiting Cardiff and the valleys but no, there's no benefit beyond Merthyr, or towards Pembrokeshire,' says Sean Westlake, chair of Wales Official Tourist Guides Association (WOTGA). 'There are links across Wales with the two trunk roads through Mid Wales and TrawsCymru buses, but the journey times are long.' 'What Wales really needs, sustainable transport-wise,' he adds, 'is a more integrated system of train and bus between south and north.' For people travelling around South Wales, however, there is car-free industrial heritage, ancient castles, and kiss-me-quick fun to be had, plus a wider move towards smoother, greener travel. 'I'm excited for the link from Rhymney to Barry via Cardiff,' says Kelsey at TfW. 'I'll be heading to Barrybados with the family for seaside days out.' And that, as Nessa would say, is 'tidy'. It may not be open just yet, but it's never too early to dream up the excellent Welsh minibreaks the new trains will make possible. Just pick your favourite destinations, and mark your calendar. Route one Cardiff Bay to Caerphilly on the Cardiff Bay and Penarth Lines Start your day in Cardiff Bay, taking in sites such as the Wales Millennium Centre, a must for Doctor Who fans, the Senedd parliament building and the hidden gem Norwegian Church, the old seaman's chapel turned arts centre. Then jump on the train for the hour-long journey to Caerphilly, home to the largest castle in Wales – and a crumbly, white cheese. The castle saw action battling Welsh princes and English Civil War skirmishes before the Marquess of Bute restored it in the 1920s. It's a short walk from the station with glorious grounds for sunny-day mooching. Route two Cardiff Queen Street to Merthyr Tydfil on the Cardiff Bay and Merthyr Lines From Queen Street, it's one hour to Merthyr, the line running via Llandaff in Cardiff's leafy northwest suburbs. Jump off for a stroll around the village, where the writer Roald Dahl attended school in the 1920s in the shadow of the towering Gothic cathedral. A blue plaque outside the former High Street sweetshop recounts the story of the Great Mouse Plot, his boyhood prank to leave a dead mouse in a jar of Gobstoppers. Back on the train, it's a story of industrial heritage with Merthyr once the world's largest iron-producing town. Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Gallery tells the story of the town's radical past, while the 160-acre parkland has a model railway and family activities. Route three Cardiff Central to Barry Island on the Vale of Glamorgan Line After breakfast in Cardiff, exploring the cafes of the Victorian arcades, or a stroll in Bute Park, make a day-trip pilgrimage in the footsteps of Gavin and Stacey. It's only 40 minutes away, but there are, confusingly, three local stations. Barry Island is best for kitsch seaside fun, and Barry station itself is nearest to The Goodsheds, a new shipping-container village packed with shops, restaurants and bars. Try Cozy Tapas for bottomless brunch and stock up on Welsh craft ales at Craft Republic, a dog-friendly independent bar and bottle shop. There's a self-guided trail of locations from the TV series to download. Take a selfie by the mural outside Marco's, the promenade café where Stacey works in the show and Nessa's Slots amusement arcade round the corner. Stacey's home is the final stop, the residential house at 47 Trinity Street regularly attracting a small gathering of devotees. Crackin'.
The Independent
15-04-2025
- Business
- The Independent
What to expect from the £1bn ‘Welsh Tube' set to open this year
Plans to create a South Wales Metro network connecting Cardiff and the South Wales valleys are set to take to the tracks this year. The £1 billion 'Welsh Tube' project has been in the works since 2013, with goals to have much of the work complete by the start of 2026. It aims to make a 'more reliable, faster, greener and more accessible transport system' for the people of South Wales. According to Transport for Wales, 36 new electrically powered tram- trains will run on over 170km (105.6 miles) of electrified track supported by brand new stations and upgrades to existing stops. Six colour-coded 'core' lines will connect Cardiff to Aberdare, Coryton, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhymney and Treherbert – each with stops along the way and a contactless payment system. The rail operator said that the line will run more weekday and Sunday services 'than ever before', with trains every 15 minutes between Cardiff and the heads of each valley (Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil, Treherbert). Six trains an hour will run between Caerphilly and Cardiff, 12 between Pontypridd and Cardiff, and more frequent evening trains will serve the lines. On Sundays, the service will deliver two trains per hour between Cardiff and the heads of each valley. Engineering and infrastructure work to upgrade the rail network started in August 2020, with the Coryton line and the Rhymney line from Cardiff Queen Street to Caerphilly recently electrified. New trains are set to join the Coryton and Caerphilly lines to Penarth this summer. Passengers may have already seen new Stadler Citylink tram-trains and Stadler Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains (FLIRT) trains on the railways, with eight trains currently serving the Rhymney line. The modern fleet features level boarding, increased bicycle storage space and air conditioning for journeys across South Wales. Work costing more than £100m is ongoing to establish Taff's Well as the Metro Depot in South Wales – home to the 36 Metro tram-trains and over 400 staff members. In the Welsh capital, longer-term ambitions for rail at Cardiff Central aim to link the transport hub with the South Wales Mainline and a link to Cardiff Bay. The South Wales Metro project has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the UK and Welsh Governments via the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal.
