Rail service improvements and disruptions

TfW starts work on £100m South Wales Metro depot

Transport for Wales (TfW) has begun work on a £100m depot for the South Wales Metro to support vehicles on the system.

The depot at Taff’s Well is set to play a key part in the network which aims to be running from 2022, part of a wider £5bn investment to transform Wales’ transport infrastructure.

It will offer tram-train maintenance and stabling services for vehicles, as well as an integrated control centre to ensure metro lines are running as planned.

TfW’s director of rail services infrastructure, Simon Rhoden, said: “Partnering with Welsh Government and TfW, we are working hard to create a transport network that delivers real benefit to the people of Wales.

“The start of demolition works on-site at Taff’s Well marks the beginning of our journey of transformation.”

It is the first step in a large investment to integrate South Wales’ largely underfunded transport network, and it is hoped the new multimodal integrated transport network will provide major social, economic and environmental benefits.”

The South Wales Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

Last month TfW awarded the first early contractor involvement (ECI) contracts to build the Metro’s control systems, stations and maintenance depots.

Economy and transport minister, Ken Skates, said: “This project is a striking visual representation of the commitments we have made to improving rail services in Wales.

“The South Wales Metro will be one of the most modern systems-in the UK and will create essential transport links for our communities throughout towns and the city.

“The £100 million depot at Taff’s Well will play an important role in the Transport for Wales story and I’m pleased work is now underway.”

James Price, TfW CEO, added: “It’s great that work has begun at Garth Works Industrial Estate, in the future this will become a central facility for Transport for Wales and today signifies a key milestone on our journey to deliver the South Wales Metro.”