Media centre

Friday 4 Dec 2015

Secretary of state for transport visits Cardiff Central station

Patrick McLoughlin, secretary of state for transport, was given a tour of Cardiff Central station during a visit to Wales so he could see first-hand the improvements carried out by Network Rail to deliver better journeys for passengers.

A wider station entrance with a new ticket gate-line, ticket booking office and customer information screens opened earlier this year, providing additional station capacity at the busiest station in Wales.

Patrick McLoughlin said: “The UK Government is determined to help build a new transport legacy for Wales. Lots has already been done and it was pleasing to see the great progress made in upgrading Cardiff Central Station.

“The UK Government continues to invest in infrastructure in Wales. During this Parliament Wales will see a £900 million increase in capital funding, a boost of over 16% in real terms, to invest in infrastructure and help boost economic growth in the country.”

Paul McMahon, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, said: “The railway in Wales is carrying almost 50 per cent more passengers than it was a decade ago and that number is predicted to grow significantly in the years ahead.

“Work we are already doing as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan will make a big difference, including electrification from London through to Cardiff and Swansea and installing new signalling to help deliver improved reliability for passengers. 

“With up to 32m passengers forecast to use Cardiff Central station by 2043, there is still more to do to meet future demand. We set out a number of investment choices for funders in our draft route study, including a major redevelopment of Cardiff Central to build a station fit for a capital city.”

Network Rail is also installing new track, new signalling and a new platform at Cardiff Central station as part of the Cardiff Area Signalling Renewal (CASR) scheme to help improve the reliability of rail services for passengers.

Members of the public requiring additional information can call Network Rail’s 24-Hour National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email CRWales@networkrail.co.uk.