The South Wales Metro Network, which is operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), is almost fully electrified, with 99% of the system now able to run electric train services.
As part of a £1 billion project, almost all of the lines in the Welsh Valleys on the metro network have been fully electrified over the last few years. The latest development is the switching on of the overhead line equipment (OLE) and the public launch of the first electric train on the Rhymney line by King Charles III.
Since the introduction of electric services in the Welsh valleys, service reliability has improved, with 90% of services running on time in October 2025.
Next year, South Wales will welcome the introduction of Class 398 trams to the metro system, which will increase the range and capacity of the network. The class 756 trains are also due to enter front-line service next year.
As for the remaining 1% of the system yet to be electrified, work will begin on electrifying the remaining part of the Cardiff Bay line in spring 2026.
“I am delighted that our investment of more than £1bn to deliver a metro system fit for the future has reached another significant milestone.
Electrification of our core valleys lines is helping to create better access to jobs, healthcare, and education with brand new trains offering a faster, more reliable, greener and more accessible transport system.”
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales
“The electrification of the Upper Rhymney railway line signifies another major milestone for the South Wales Metro and delivering real change for the people of South Wales. It means that we’ll be able to introduce our Class 756 tri-mode trains on services between Caerphilly and Rhymney from 2026.
Our infrastructure teams have worked intensively for the past eight months installing 903 steel structures, supporting 33km of overhead wires and laying 30km of high-voltage cable. This is a huge achievement for our teams, who have worked throughout the day and night to deliver these improvements.
We’ve already introduced the first electric trains to the region and will continue next year, with the introduction of our Class 398 tram-trains.”
Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Transport for Wales
Responses
I do think that the electrification to Swansea could still get the go ahead despite it’s been cancelled or stopped permanently due to high costs.