The first of a fleet of electric tram trains that are destined to revolutionise transport across the South Wales valleys have been unveiled at their new £100 million depot at Taff’s Well.
The light rail vehicles – part of the South Wales Metro project being delivered by Transport for Wales – are the first to be introduced in Wales, operating on both electric lines and battery power. 40 metres long, the new tram trains can carry 252 passengers. They will travel at up to 100km/h on conventional railway lines and will also be able to run on tram lines.
Work on the new £100 million Taff’s Well depot is progressing well. Once completed, it will become the home of the South Wales Metro providing electrical controls and signalling for the network as well as a maintenance depot for the new tram trains.
Part of the depot – the control centre – is now operational and providing signalling for trains on the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr railway lines.
Transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro, which has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.
TfW rail infrastructure director Karl Gilmore said: “We’re making huge progress at our depot at Taff’s Well and everything is now becoming very visual. The maintenance depot and control centre buildings are both erected and can be clearly seen and the railway tracks connecting the depot to the mainline have been laid.
“Our new tram trains are here and are currently being tested at the depot and on our valley lines. We’ve already electrified our first phase of lines in the valleys and will continue to do so over the coming months.
“It’s a really exciting time for South Wales as this depot and these tram trains will revolutionise transport in the region.”
Chief commercial officer Alexia Course added: “Our Citylink Class 398 Tram Trains that have been manufactured by Stadler are now on test in South Wales and this signifies another step closer to delivering the South Wales Metro.
“We have ordered 36 of these three-car tram trains and they are spacious and bright with multifunctional areas for bicycles, seats for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair passenger spaces.
“The light rail vehicles are designed to connect city centres with outlying areas and we’re excited to add them to our network in the coming months.”
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