A new hub that will be at the heart of delivering the 拢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聽 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聽 is being delivered by KeolisAmey on behalf of Transport for Wales through the name of Transport for Wales Rail Services.
Minister for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates, said: 鈥淭he Treforest Metro Infrastructure Hub signifies a huge step forward for Transport for Wales and delivery of the next phase of the South Wales Metro.
聽The South Wales Metro is going to transform the way people travel in South Wales, providing social, business and economic opportunities.
鈥淭ransport 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.鈥
Chief executive of Transport for Wales, James Price, said: 鈥淭hrough unifying rail, bus and active travel routes, the South Wales Metro will significantly improve connectivity throughout South Wales and provide access to聽jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales.聽
鈥淥ur 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.聽聽
鈥淩evolutionising 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.鈥
Kevin Thomas, chief executive聽 of Transport for Wales Rail Services, said: 鈥淭he 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.
鈥淥ver the next few years, we鈥檒l embark on a transformation programme across South Wales. This is a team effort; it鈥檚 exciting to be progressing and delivering on our plans.鈥澛
