Transport for Wales (TfW) has retained consulting engineer Mott MacDonald to work on projects including the development and delivery of the South Wales Metro.

Mott MacDonald will also provide engineering consultancy services during the procurement of the next Wales & Borders rail franchise.

In 2015 the Welsh government established TfW to support its South Wales Metro vision and other transport aspirations for the province. Potential work includes Metro enhancements such as new stations and upgrades, capacity and speed improvements, increased service frequency and the potential for the core Valleys lines to be converted to light rail.

The scope of services Mott MacDonald will offer TfW include multidisciplinary rail, infrastructure and station engineering, environmental, regeneration and transportation consultancy, business planning, urban design, branding and architecture.

Mott MacDonald engineering manager Paul Maliphant said: “South Wales Metro has the potential to significantly change Wales for the better. It will improve connections between labour markets and residential communities, creating new opportunities for regional tourism and recreation assets.”

Mott MacDonald’s commission runs to the end of the first quarter of 2018, with potential for a one-year extension. The new Wales & Borders franchise will be secured towards the end of 2018 and will include the delivery of South Wales Metro.