The new railway station at Bow Street has been opened, rail operator, Transport for Wales, has announced.
Sunday 14th February 2021 saw the first train call at the station in Ceredigion at 9:12 am.
This is the first time since the original station was closed in 1965 that a train has stopped in the area to provide a connection to the rail network for the local community.
Bow Street is the first station to open in Wales since December 2014, when Pye Corner was opened, and is Transport for Wales' first since starting to operate the franchise in 2018.
Work began on the new station in 2020 and is expected that 30,000 new trips a year will be taken thanks to the new station, reducing congestion in Aberystwyth and opening up new employment opportunities.
Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, commented: “This is great news for passengers and the local area. The station will bring social and economic benefits to the area, which alongside the nearby active travel routes will make it easier for people to travel in a sustainable way.
“The funding we have provided is a sign of our ongoing commitment to improving the railway in Wales and giving more choice to passengers.”
Nick Heard, Project Director and TfW Client Account Manager, said: “The new Bow Street Transport Interchange will transform connectivity for local communities whilst being an exemplar of inclusive design and active travel opportunities. The close collaboration between WSP, TfW and the many important stakeholders has benefited the creation of a what is a fantastic piece of infrastructure, bringing together rail, road and cycling.”
UK Government Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “It is fantastic that vital rail links have been restored for the Bow Street community for the first time in more than 50 years.
“Our investment in new stations is focused on improving journeys, boosting access to jobs and education and kickstarting economic growth as we build back better from Covid-19.”
Cambrian Line services between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury will serve the station, and from 2022, new trains will be introduced and an hourly service on the weekdays will be in operation.
James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said: “It's an exciting and important milestone for us to complete the first new station since taking over the Wales and Borders rail service.
“It is testament to the skill and hard work of our teams that they have been able to deliver this new station despite the many challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year.
“Public transport is currently open to those making essential journeys only, but we look forward to welcoming residents and visitors to Bow Street when lockdown restrictions have changed and it is safe to do.”
Bow Street has a 100m platform with a shelter, real-time information and ticket machine as well as a 70 space park and ride car park.
Bill Kelly, Network Rail Wales route director, said: “We are delighted to have been able to support TfW in the development and delivery of the new Bow Street station.
“It will have a hugely positive impact on the local community and the wider region as it will be easier than ever for people to connect with employment, education, health and other vital services.”
Councillor Dafydd Edwards, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Environmental Services, Housing and Customer Contact, said: “On behalf of Ceredigion County Council, I am very pleased Transport for Wales has now completed the new Public Transport Interchange at Bow Street.
“None of this would have happened without the vision, hard work and dedication of many individuals and organisations working together over the last 10 years on this project. Make no mistake this is a big step forward for Ceredigion and Mid Wales – the Interchange will provide a much-needed boost for the local economy and help to improve the availability of sustainable travel opportunities as part of our efforts to de-carbonise the transport sector.”
“Active Travel routes also now link the Interchange with Aberystwyth University's Plas Gogerddan campus and surrounding communities, providing better access to the rail and bus services that will connect and run from the new Interchange.”
Where Next?
RAILADVENT PLUS
Support the website and get member benefits in return
RAILADVENT NEWS
The latest railway news
RAILADVENT SHOP
Railway Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's, books and more
LOCOSTOP COMMUNITY
Come and share your railway pictures
UK STEAM INFO
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
Transport for Wales
Visit their website
Cardiff is also a proposal for a new railway station to the East called Cardiff Parkway which is scheduled to open in 2024. And will be located in St Mellons.