Transport for Wales (TfW) has started testing on the South Wales Metro railway lines its new tram-trains that are set to revolutionise public transport in the area.
These new trains come from Stadler's CITYLINK range and are light rail vehicles that can operate on both rail and tram lines on either electric power from overhead lines or battery power.
They are 40 metres long, can carry more than 250 passengers, a maximum speed of 100km per hour on rail lines.
Transport for Wales recently completed electrification of the first phase of the South Wales Metro to allow the first tram-trains to be tested. The first units arrived at the new Taffs Well depot in March, and they are scheduled to enter passenger service in 2024.
The new tram-trains have high-floor, spacious, bright and air-conditioned passenger compartments, dedicated seats for people with reduced mobility, two wheelchair passenger spaces, and six multi-functional bicycle areas.
The Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for Transport, Lee Waters said: “This is great news. Funded by our £800m investment in a new fleet of trains, these new light rail tram-trains, electrically powered, faster and with greater capacity, will play an important part in our plans to transform rail services in Wales.”
Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at Transport for Wales said: “This is another major milestone for us at TfW, we've already introduced three new types of train to our network for passengers to use this year. We're now pleased to be testing our light rail tram-trains that will operate a turn-up-and-go service on the South Wales Metro in the very near future.
“Wales has yet to experience light rail travel and these vehicles will provide faster, cleaner and more efficient travel. We're investing £800 million in brand-new trains for Wales and a billion pounds on the South Wales Metro and through transforming our network we want to encourage more people to travel sustainably.”
Sorry not diesel power. Meant to say was it can operate on AC 25kv OHL or battery power without the need of overhead lines on some routes. Ignore the first comment.
Ok Andrew.
Nice to see them running on diesel or battery power. They do look different from Sheffield Supertram Class 399 Tram-trains that are used on the Rotherham extension.
Isn’t it about time TFW sorted out there services to Birmingham International ? Short 2 carriage old trains, passengers rammed in like sardines in a can. Cancelled services, cancelled services between Birmingham New Street & Birmingham International (regularly)
In Donnington, Telford there are over 24 brand new TFW trainsc, some been there well over a year
TFW need to sort themselves out
All I read about is new trians , tracks etc which is great. Where are they as they are not in Pontardawe. God help us when the 20mph rules come as it be chaos