Transport for Wales (TfW) has created arrival hubs at Cardiff and Wrexham railway stations to help Ukrainian nationals.
Rooms within the railway stations have been refurbished so that Ukrainians fleeing war have somewhere comfortable to go when they arrive in Cardiff or Wrexham, before moving on to Welsh Government welcome centres or to family, friends, or sponsors. The rooms also include an area for children.
The arrival hubs are fully supported by Cardiff Council and Wrexham County Borough Council, and donations have been kindly received from the Blackwood Community and Sainsburys in Pontllanfraith.
From 17th March, all refugees, not just those fleeing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have been able to travel for free on Transport for Wales rail services. Ukrainian nationals can claim free travel by showing a Ukrainian passport to conductors and station staff. All other refugees can travel for free on presentation of status documentation.
For refugees accessing the free travel scheme, the date of travel must be within six months from the date that the relevant status documentation was issued. The free travel scheme will initially run for six months, until 16th September 2022.
James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said:
“At TfW we are doing everything we can to support those seeking refuge and we hope the arrival hubs we've created in our major stations in the north and south of Wales will be beneficial to the people needing them.
“They'll provide a safe and comfortable space for those arriving into Wales.”
The Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for transport, Lee Waters said:
“Wales is proud to be a Nation of Sanctuary and I'm pleased TfW have been able to offer arrival hubs for Ukrainian refugees escaping this terrible conflict, giving them the space to relax and collect their thoughts before moving on to stay with family, friends and sponsors.”
