The South Wales Metro railway lines are currently testing brand-new tram-trains that are set to "revolutionise" public transport. The Citylink tram-trains are 40m long and can carry more than 250 passengers with the ability to run at 100km per hour on rail.
The class 398 tram trains are being tested for the first time as working passenger trains. It's hoped they will come into wider service on the South Wales Metro in 2024. In total there will be 36 of the tram trains which have been build by leading Swiss manufacturer Stadler at their factory in Valencia.
The trains are equipped with traction battery packages, allowing them to operate over non-electrified sections of track in addition to those with overhead supplies. The tram-trains are high-floor vehicles and feature spacious, bright and air-conditioned passenger compartments with six multifunctional areas for bicycles as well as seats for people with reduced mobility and two wheelchair passenger spaces.
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The project involves the electrification of the Valleys Lines, the creation of new stations, and the introduction of new rolling stock including the new tram-trains that are currently being tested. Transport for Wales is hoping that this will allow for faster and more frequent services as well as improving connectivity and accessibility.
These 398 units will operate services on the Rhondda, Merthyr and City lines and the Cardiff Bay Branch.
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.”
