RLB and WSP appointed to support delivery of Rapid Transit System for Welsh Capital

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) and multi-disciplinary professional services consultancy WSP have been appointed by Cardiff Council to provide programme and cost management services in support of the delivery of a new public transport system in the Welsh capital.

Cardiff Crossrail, utilising tram-train technology, will provide reliable, sustainable, high-capacity, and high-frequency services. The project aligns with the council’s long-term vision to boost public transport use.

The project team will work in partnership with Transport for Wales on the delivery of the scheme. Funding comes from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund with match funding from the Welsh Government.

Over the next five years, RLB will collaborate with WSP to provide strategic support for Phase 1 of this complex programme. These services will include high-level programme management, cost analysis, and cost management. WSP will also support Cardiff Council in appointing a lead design organisation responsible for managing the design integration of each project area.

Andy Stamps, National Head of Infrastructure for RLB UK said: “We know the role that great transportation systems play as drivers of regeneration, economic growth and social mobility of regions.  Working with the teams at WSP, Transport for Wales and Cardiff Council, we are looking forward to helping provide a robust rail system that will add social value to the Cardiff area.”

Steve Wharton, Project Director at WSP, said: “Transformative rail infrastructure holds significant potential to drive economic growth and increase prosperity within our communities. Cardiff Crossrail is a fantastic project to be involved in and we’re looking forward to bringing our expert local knowledge and world-leading light-rail capability to help make it a reality.”

To foster a collaborative approach, the RLB and WSP team will co-locate with Cardiff Council.