Members’ Day – South Wales Metro

Hear about the South Wales Metro Project and Visit the area where on-street running will happen and more.

Friday 14th April 2023 – Cardiff 12 Noon

The Members’ Day started at 12 noon for Lunch at the Clayton Hotel, about 200 metres from Cardiff Central Station entrance, however, tea and coffee were available from 11:00 hrs

At 13:00 hrs there were presentations from Mark Barry, the inspiration behind the project and Jessica Clement, the Stakeholder Manager for South East Wales from Transport for Wales to give an overview of the proposals and the progress to date.

Mark-Barry-Presentation-compressed-1

Presentation by Professor Mark Barry

South-Wales-Metro-TFW-presentation

Presentation by Transport for Wales – Jessica Clements Stakeholder Manager (South-East Wales)

Following the presentations the members then walked to the Cardiff Bay area (about 1 mile) to see where there will be some on-street running using tram trains up to the Millennium Centre. (Bus or Taxis are available for those who would find the walk difficult). Following this visit we took the Cardiff Bay branch train to Cardiff Queens Street and then onwards to Caerphilly on the Rhymney line along which some Stadler Class 231 FLIRT units have been introduced.

Members at Caerphilly Station

The Party then travelled to Taff’s Well to look onto the Tram Train depot where two Class 398 Stadler Citylink Tram Trains were stabled.

Stadler Class 398 Citylink Tram Trains in Taff’s Well Depot
Class 398 Stadler Citylink Tram Train
Class 231 Stadler FLIRT

For those who could stay a little longer, there was an optional early evening visit to the Cardiff Model Engineering Society in Heath Park, to ride both of their miniature 18-inch gauge electric trams.  We’ll then move to their Clubhouse for teas and coffees, and a presentation on the history of this line (now in its 50th year). 

CMES Tram 1
CMES Tram 2
Members at Cardiff Model Engineering Society Tram Platform
CMES Tram 1
Miniature Tram
CMES Tram 2

The cost for the day was £20 to cover the cost of the room and refreshments. Please note that this excluded all rail/bus/taxi fares and there was no charge for the visit to the CMES.