A new hub that will be at the heart of delivering the £738m South Wales Metro project has been unveiled.
However, physical work on electrifying the Core Valley Lines into Cardiff and the Coryton Line cannot start until the rail asset is transferred from Westminster to Cardiff Bay. That process is expected to be confirmed shortly.
Transport for Wales, the Welsh Government's transport body, has now opened a Metro infrastructure hub at Treforest, next to Treforest Estate station on the Merthyr Line.
The hub will play a key role in the delivery and future maintenance of the Metro.
The project management offices will be home to over 200 employees, creating a centralised location for Metro work over the next few years.
For the first five years the hub will be mainly used as a material distribution centre , before developing into a maintenance depot.
Electrification of the Core Valley Lines, scheduled for completion by the end of 2023 will be carried out by KeolisAmey, which is also the holder of the current Wales & Borders Rail franchise.
The franchise and electrification work is being delivered by KeolisAmey on behalf of Transport for Wales through the name of Transport for Wales Rail Services.
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Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, said: “The Treforest Metro Infrastructure Hub signifies a huge step forward for Transport for Wales and delivery of the next phase of the South Wales Metro.
The South Wales Metro is going to transform the way people travel in South Wales, providing social, business and economic opportunities.
“Transport for Wales are investing three quarters of a billion pounds into the next phase of the South Wales Metro and this new facility will be at the heart of the progress being made over the next few years, and into the future.”
Chief executive of Transport for Wales, James Price, said: “Through unifying rail, bus and active travel routes, the South Wales Metro will significantly improve connectivity throughout South Wales and provide access to jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales.
“Our investment will see over 170 kilometres of track electrified and the upgrading of track and signalling along with the creation and improvement of station facilities.
“Revolutionising transport for local communities, this phase of the South Wales Metro will bring quicker journeys, greater capacity, more frequent and reliable services with the offer with more affordable travel.”
Kevin Thomas, chief executive of Transport for Wales Rail Services, said: “The opening of the Treforest Metro Infrastructure Hub is another important milestone on our journey to transform transport for the people of Wales and create a network that people can be proud of.
“Over the next few years, we’ll embark on a transformation programme across South Wales. This is a team effort; it’s exciting to be progressing and delivering on our plans.”