Transport for Wales creates arrival hubs to help Ukrainian refugees coming to Wales

Transport for Wales (TfW) has created arrival hubs at Cardiff and Wrexham railway stations to help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Wales.

Rooms within the railway stations have been refurbished and provide facilities including an area for children.

Ukrainians fleeing the war in their homeland can use these facilities when arriving at the stations before moving on to Welsh Government welcome centres or to family, friends or sponsors.

The arrival hubs are fully supported by Cardiff Council and Wrexham County Borough Council and donations have been  received from the Blackwood Community Sainsburys in Pontllanfraith.

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.”

Since March this year, all refugees, not just those fleeing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have also been able to travel for free on TfW 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.