Siemens Mobility has been appointed to design, build, integrate and commission the signalling systems that will support the delivery of Cardiff Crossrail, a major project aimed at improving connectivity across the Welsh capital and extending the reach of the South Wales Metro.
The company will deliver two complementary signalling systems as part of the scheme. The first will manage tram-train operations running on-street through Cardiff city centre, while the second will provide a line-of-sight signalling solution along the Cardiff Bay Mainline. Together, the systems are intended to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of services linking communities across South Wales.
The appointment builds on Siemens Mobility’s extensive involvement in the transformation of rail infrastructure across the region. The company previously delivered the signalling element of the Core Valley Lines Transformation programme, a cornerstone of the South Wales Metro project that modernised lineside signalling infrastructure across South East Wales and enabled service frequencies on key routes to double from two to four trains per hour.
Once completed, Cardiff Crossrail will connect with the existing Core Valley Lines network, creating further integration within the South Wales Metro and improving public transport accessibility across Cardiff and surrounding communities.
The project is expected to play a significant role in supporting economic development, providing better access to employment, education and services while encouraging a shift towards more sustainable travel options.
Matt Kent, Director of Operations and Manufacturing for Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, said the scheme would deliver long-term benefits for communities across the region.
“Cardiff Crossrail will transform how people move across the city and give access to jobs and growth for some of Wales’ most underserved communities,” he said.
“This project will transform rail travel and transport across South Wales, and we’re proud to be delivering the signalling infrastructure that will make it possible, building on our work on the Core Valley Lines Programme.”
The project forms part of Transport for Wales’ wider strategy to create an integrated, modern public transport network capable of supporting economic growth and decarbonisation objectives across Wales.
Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Transport for Wales, said Cardiff Crossrail represents an important next step in the development of the South Wales Metro.
“Cardiff Crossrail is an exciting step forward for the South Wales Metro, helping us make it easier for people to move around the city and reach the opportunities that matter to them,” he said.
“Siemens Mobility has already been a big part of transforming the Core Valley Lines, so we’re pleased to continue working together as we bring better, greener and more reliable transport to communities across Cardiff and beyond.”
The award further strengthens Siemens Mobility’s position within the UK light rail and urban transit sector, while highlighting the increasing importance of advanced signalling and control technologies in supporting the integration of tram-train systems within existing rail networks.
As Cardiff Crossrail progresses, the project is expected to become a key component of the wider South Wales Metro vision, creating new transport links, supporting regeneration and improving connectivity between communities throughout the region.
