Transport for Wales to invest £194 million in railway station improvements
Posted: 18 September 2019 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
Transport for Wales has pledged to invest in every railway station in Wales in a bid to improve Wi-Fi, shelters, CCTV, cycle storage and passenger information systems.
Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced the details of its £194 million investment plan to improve all 247 railway stations across Wales and the Borders.
The Station Improvement Vision highlights what improvements customers and communities can expect to see at their local stations over the next 15 years.
The ambitious programme will deliver free Wi-Fi, improved shelters, CCTV, improved provision for cycle storage and improved passenger information, at every station.
Where possible, TfW will also create new retail facilities, presenting opportunities for local businesses and work in partnership to develop community spaces at stations.
The improvements include expanding the Secure Station Accreditation programme – a UK accreditation in conjunction with the British Transport Police – which will make stations safer and more welcoming for customers.
Demonstrating their commitment and supporting the Welsh Government’s plans to create a more sustainable Wales through deduction in carbon emissions generated through transport, TfW will create at least 1,500 additional car parking spaces across the network, making it easier for people to leave their car and use public transport.
The Vision also highlights how accessibility will be enhanced across the network with the delivery of 11 Access for All schemes by 2024, with the installation of footbridges with lifts or ramps, part-funded by the UK Department for Transport (DfT).
James Price, TfW’s CEO, said: “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.”
Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport, 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. There are ambitious plans to deliver an improved railway and public transport network across all of Wales and the investment announced today will be a significant step towards that.”
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. Being the first project in TfW’s all-Wales station improvement vision, this adds to the excitement being generated by the celebrations around our 50th anniversary as a city.”
Rob continued: “Swansea is undergoing its biggest regeneration for more than a generation. We are creating new opportunities that will see thousands more people live, work and play in the city centre. Major projects include the £130 million indoor arena complex which, as part of the Swansea Central development, is allied to the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal.”
Related topics
Passenger Information Systems (PIS), Station Developments, Wi-Fi
