Rail managers are suggesting a new railway station in the center of Cardiff, "exclusively for use when matches are held at the Millennium Stadium," according to Rhodri Clark of WALES ONLINE. The managers said that the station "would transform the experience of visitors, compared with the difficulties many rugby fans encountered" when travelling by train to or from Rugby World Cup matches. Great Western Railway, operator of trains between South Wales and London, will "float the idea on Thursday at an Assembly inquiry into transport planning for the RWC." GWR's evidence to AMs said that the industry "spent months planning for the tournament and ensuring that it would be able react quickly to changes in the predicted passenger numbers." GWR said, "However, it is clear that the rail industry faced some challenges and we're sorry for the impact on customers and stakeholders." Many of the problems "were connected to the historic layout of Cardiff Central station," but GWR said that other stations around the world -- such as Meadowlands in N.Y., Stratford in London and Bijlmer Arena in Amsterdam -- "demonstrate how trains can move large crowds quickly, effectively and safely" (WALES ONLINE, 11/4).
