Cardiff the capital of Wales has a population of over 325,000. It is currently experiencing a building boom partly created by the need for more homes, but also by commercial and government investment. This growth therefore attracts a lot of traffic whether from outside the city or internally. Below I have looked at various modes of transportation in the city available giving pro's and con's for each.
--- RAIL ---
Cardiff is served nationally and regionally by a main station (Cardiff Central) and several smaller stations (linking up the suburbs). High-speed Inter-City trains link most cities with Cardiff. The journey time from London Paddington to Cardiff is approximately two hours.
-Pro's-
Train services to the main population centres around Cardiff (Swansea,
Newport) and the suburbs are frequent (although night and weekend services are sometimes not provided enough). The inter-city service is one of the best features with newer trains (especially Virgin Trains) and better punctuality. Cheaper than road and air, the driving is also left to someone else.
-Con's-
Regional connections further out of Cardiff (e.g. Pontypridd) are in desperate need of substantial improvement. The trains are outdated, dirty, lack punctuality, infrequent and overpriced. Queuing and getting your ticket at the city's main station can be long leading to delays. Additionally some services are too crowded and a backlog of trains can occur at the main station leading to additional delays
--- AUTOMOTIVE ---
Cardiff is very much geared to the automobile (like so many other large cities). Buses are one of its main assets with a large fleet and good coverage. There is also a large number of Taxi's with there distinctive white front and black body. The car is however the ruler of the city, which leads to much traffic congestion.
-Pro's-
Bus services have a wide catchment area, are one of the cheapest modes of transport in the city and come frequently at most hours. Information at bus stops and on the buses themselves is good with electronic noticeboards clearly displaying running times and bus numbers.
Taxi's are mostly found in the city centre to flag down, but can be called citywide. The main benefit is there large numbers meaning a taxi is almost always available.
The city is principally targeted for car drivers and you can get almost anywhere in your car with motorways (M4) and dual carriage ways linking Cardiff to other large urban areas.
-Con's-
Buses only accept the exact change paid into a dispenser and are quite slow due there size and the number of stops to be made. The main con of Taxi's is that they are one of the most expensive modes of transport in Cardiff (like in many other UK cities).
Cars although used the most have some of the main disadvantages of all the different modes of transport. Traffic is very bad, there is also an acute lack of parking in the city centre and when a space is found the parking charges are very high. In the suburbs parking is better, but the site of so many cars spoils the landscape.
--- SEA/OTHER ---
Cardiff doesn't have a ferry service, but at its bay yachts and some merchant ships can call. The city council have in the last 10-15 years promoted cycling in the city, but have neglected or failed to expand on the existing bike routes in recent years. Going around Cardiff by foot takes a long time, priority is given to vehicles and the pavements in many areas are very damaged. This to me is one of the areas needing most improvement after the train network.
--- AIR ---
Cardiff International Airport is located out of the city and provides a good air network to cities across the UK, Europe and beyond.
-Pro's-
Due to its smaller than average size processing passengers at Cardiff is fairly easy. This reduces delays and allows customers to spend less time waiting at the airport. It also allows Cardiff residents to travel abroad without going to another major city.
-Con's-
While covering many destinations you still have to go to Heathrow, Gatwick or other large airports to go further a field. While this is not unique to Cardiff; the capital city of Wales should be given a larger airport to reflect its capital status.
--- CONCLUSION ---
For visitors to the city centre the inter-city service is adequate, but travel to the outer limits and you may experience problems. Park footpaths are okay, but for the resident many street paths are broken and sometimes dangerous. Buses and taxis probably serve both the tourist and resident best maintaining coverage and quality city-wide. The car will still continue to dominate as long as people use them and the council provides for them. It gives the most freedom, but be aware of traffic jams, charges and traffic wardens.
Creating a sustainable, environmentally friendly system should be the ultimate goal of Cardiff city. As it goes the car still dominates the city, public transport although improved needs much more investment and promotion. Therefore Cardiff follows the trend the rest of the UK is taking. Cardiff needs to focus primarily on its rail network and to improve the cycling and pedestrian routes. The recent creation of the Welsh National Assembly may be able to assist in developing transport in line with its commitment to creating a prosperous capital city.
Pictures of Getting around in Cardiff
Cardiff Bus Station
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