16.09.19
Transport for Wales reveal £194m railway station upgrade plan
All 247 railway stations in Wales are to feel the benefit of a new £194m investment plan, Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced.
TfW has unveiled plans for 1,500 extra car parking spaces across Wales to encourage people to leave their car and use public transport.
All 247 stations Wales-wide will benefit from the introduction of WiFi, the updating of buildings and shelters, improved security, and a growth of passenger information to be implemented over the next 15 years.
Chief Executive of Transport for Wales, James Price, noted it was “vastly more than was ever spent on stations in Wales before.”
He added: “Really importantly, there will be a much higher level of security and station safety for the passenger.
"The redevelopment of Swansea station has already begun, with improved ticket facilities and space for business and community groups.
"It will be a much, much better customer experience as a whole."
This comes as the number of people using public transport rises and is forecast to continue to rise.
This is on top of a pledge made in October last year when French-Spanish operators KeolisAmey promised to replace all trains in Wales at the cost of £800m, and also bid to increase capacity by two thirds.
Replacements have already started as they received the first of these new trains at Transport for Wales’ Canton depot on Sunday. The Class 170 trains are equipped with air conditioning and power sockets and promise a more modern and reliable service.
Training for the TfW drivers will start today, 16 September, ahead of their debut journey in December.
All improvements are to be overseen by TfW who hope to provide a drastic advancement of public transport.
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 the crucial gateway to the city.”