Plans to create a ‘Welsh Tube’ system, connecting Cardiff with the South Wales Valleys, have been in the works since 2013.
The project, said to have cost a whopping £1,000,000,000, will feature 36 tram-style trains and cover 170km (105.6 miles) of track. 13 years later, 2026 looks to be the year it finally arrives.
Metro readers have been sharing their takes on the ambitious project, and opinion is split down the middle.
The controversy is mainly due to Wales’ ‘north-south’ divide and the fact that the new train system only serves the south.
Matthew William Winson wrote: ‘Fantastic idea and brings Wales into the 21st century. However, I would still like to see an all-Welsh train line connecting north, mid and south together without having to go to another country.’
Sign up to The Getaway newsletter
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Generally, a train journey from South Wales to North Wales involves travelling through England.
Stephen Eales said the ‘Welsh Tube’ was a ‘brilliant idea’ and ‘an excellent use of money.’
He added: ‘I have been very impressed by how efficiently TfW is carrying out this huge infrastructure project. Anyone connected to this project should be proud. Finally, Wales will have a public transport system to be proud of.’
On the other hand, people living outside South Wales vented frustration.
Reginald Keith Fifield wrote: ‘It always amazes me when they say this is good for Wales, it is not, it is good for Cardiff and the Valleys. The rest of the infrastructure around Wales is falling apart.’
Robert Morgan echoed: ‘Great for Cardiff. Rest of Wales ignored yet again.’
Others argued that the money would be better spent on different routes.
Helen Peely Jones Irving explained: ‘Far more important is a train from Carmarthen to Aberystwyth so you do not have to travel to England to go from South Wales to North Wales, but as usual anywhere after Swansea does not count as Wales.’
However, a man named Russell Willey pointed out that a project this big needs to start somewhere.
He said: ‘I can never get my head around people criticising the Welsh Government or any other national or local government when they propose any building or infrastructure project.
‘This is a good thing. It will create jobs and help people in South Wales get around more easily. And yes of course, they need to invest in other projects, but they have to start somewhere, and 2/3 of the population of Wales live in South East Wales, so it’s always going to be the logical place to start.’
Metro contacted Prestatyn Council for comment.
They told this reporter that a council meeting will be held on April 24 with the Mayor of Prestatyn, the governor, 18 councillors, local press and members of the public to discuss the issue.
What has Transport for Wales (TfL) said about the service?
Transport for Wales (TfW) has been actively promoting the South Wales Metro project, or the ‘Welsh Tube,’ describing it as a ‘greener way to travel.’
The rail firm has promised it will provide better-connected and reduced journey times, saying the new route is an ‘opportunity to build a better Wales for all.’
Despite the criticism, TfW is also transforming North Wales’ transport.
In January, Wrexham and Flintshire news site, The Leader Live, said the North Wales Metro ‘has the potential to be a game changer.’
The Welsh Government, Transport for Wales, and local authorities have pledged to improve rail and bus services, plus walking and cycling routes across North Wales.
From 2026, the Welsh Government is ‘committed’ to providing 50% more TfW services along the North Wales mainline.
What will the ‘Welsh Tube’ look like?
Six core lines will connect Cardiff to surrounding areas including Aberdare, Coryton, Merthyr, Tydfil, Rhymney and Treherbert.
All stops will be identified by a colour-coded map, just like the London Tube. The connections will be introduced in stages.
TfW has already delivered brand-new trains across parts of the South Wales network. All have been improved, from installing extra lifts and access-for-all bridges, new bike hoops, and extra passenger information screens.
With the exception of a few tunnels between Cardiff and Caerphilly, the majority of the network is overground.
How many South Wales Metro trains will run each hour?
Hopefully, by 2026, there will be four trains per hour between Cardiff and each valley.
The Caerphilly and Cardiff routes will see six trains per hour, with one running every 10 minutes.
In Pontypridd, 12 metro-style trains will run each hour, meaning passengers can hop on a service every five minutes.
How does the payment system work?
Like the Transport for London (TfL) tube, payments will be contactless.
Simply tap your debit card at the scanners and head off on your journey.
The rail renaissance: More ambitious train projects
Forget the ‘Welsh Tube,’ a new ‘Tube for Europe’ is in the works.
Whether you’re not a fan of flying or you’re looking for more sustainable ways to travel, the Starline service is set to travel through 39 stations, with at least one stop in every country.
Elsewhere, a new Eurostar rival has unveiled a new route to Paris – with one major difference.
Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group), Italy’s national state-owned railway company, says it will launch a new high-speed rail service between London and Paris by 2029.
Finally, a new train will directly link two European capitals for the first time.
Currently, if you were to travel from Lisbon in Portugal to Madrid in Spain by train, the journey could take between 10 and 19 hours.
Thankfully, travellers won’t have to make this arduous journey for much longer, because Spanish rail company, Renfe, has a new direct route in the works that would link the two destinations for the very first time.
Leave a Reply