Railway stations share £194m for refurbishment
EVERY railway station in Wales will get a share of £194m of money to refurbish stations.
A new document, called the Station Improvement Vision, lists the changes Transport for Wales (TfW) will make over the next 15 years to Wales’ 247 stations.
It includes everything from free WiFi at all stations within the next five years, better waiting areas, improved bicycle storage as well as new shops and car parking spaces.
To encourage more people to choose trains over cars, at least 1,500 additional car parking spaces across the network and footbridges with lifts or ramps will be installed at stations.
Reports have been drawn up about what improvements are needed at each station.
“Hub stations” - namely Cardiff Central, Cardiff Queen Street, Chester, Newport, Shrewsbury and Swansea – will see ticket facilities and shops improved.
There will be additional bicycle spaces and where possible, parking spaces. There will be better screens for passengers to get their information linked to bus information.
Waiting areas will be refurbished and recycling centres so people can recycle their litter.
Work will start in Swansea in 2019 and all other stations listed above in 2020, with the exception of Cardiff Queen Street, which is due in 2021.
And work on “interchange” stations, including Llanelli and Carmarthen, Llandudno Junction, Craven Arms, Bridgend, Radyr, Abercynon, Hereford, Machynlleth, Pontypridd, Severn Tunnel Junction, Shotton, and Wrexham General is due to begin in 2021, although work has begun at Bridgend already. The Severn Tunnel Junction works could be delayed.
This will include accessible toilets for all, improved or new shelters and additional seating, help points and CCTV.
There will also be better shops, more bicycle spaces, more digital display boards and linked information for buses.
All other stations will get improved CCTV, new and safer bicycle storage, new and improved waiting shelters, new litter bins and maps of the local area. This is due to start in 2020.
Transport for Wales CEO James Price said: “Transport for Wales is transforming transport throughout Wales and the launch of our Station Improvement Vision indicates the start of a £194m investment programme.
“This investment into all our 247 railway stations will improve the way they look, make them safer and provide more commercial and community opportunities.
“We want to improve the overall customer experience and also work collaboratively to develop partnerships with local businesses and communities.”
Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates said: “Over the next 15 years this huge investment will vastly improve important gateways to our cities, towns and villages.
“The vision has been launched in Swansea – as it celebrates its 50th year as a City – where it will contribute to the development of a metro system ready to meet the transport needs of the future”
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “I applaud TfW’s investment in Swansea’s High Street Station; I’m pleased they’re working with the council to improve this crucial gateway to the city.
“A brighter, fresher, more modern welcome to rail users into Swansea is very welcome; it complements the council’s plans to regenerate the city centre and the High Street area.”