A new fleet of Class 398 tram‑trains has entered the final testing phase, marking a major milestone in the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment to modernise rail services across Wales and the Borders. These cutting‑edge vehicles—designed to operate seamlessly on both heavy rail and street‑running tram infrastructure—will bring faster, more frequent and more accessible journeys to communities across South Wales.
The introduction of the 36 new tram‑trains forms a key pillar of the South Wales Metro transformation programme. Once in service this spring, they will operate on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines, providing direct connections into Cardiff and Cardiff Bay.
Equipped with level boarding, modern air‑conditioning, power sockets, real‑time passenger information screens and multi‑use areas for cycles and wheelchairs, the Class 398 fleet is engineered to significantly enhance passenger experience while supporting modal shift and regional decarbonisation goals.
During a visit to the new Taffs Well depot, where the fleet will be based and maintained, First Minister Eluned Morgan emphasised the project’s strategic importance:
“Improving transport across Wales is one of my top priorities – investing in high quality transport, which is more reliable, more convenient and more enjoyable to use.
I am delighted that passengers are now experiencing the significant benefits of our investment in the South Wales Metro with improved services, brand-new trains and better facilities both on and off the track. And with the arrival of the new tram-trains in the spring it’s an exciting time for transport in Wales.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, highlighted the wider momentum building across the national network:
“The future for rail in Wales is bright – modern trains, faster and more regular services and now revolutionary tram-trains coming down the track – our vision of creating a transport system that is sustainable, accessible, efficient, and meets the needs of all our communities is now becoming a reality.
But we’re not stopping there, from May services across the North Wales mainline will be increased by 50%, with a 100% increase in train services between Wrexham and Chester and the rollout of Pay as You Go technology in North Wales this year too.”
With final testing underway and supporting infrastructure nearing completion, the introduction of the Class 398 fleet represents one of the most significant technological upgrades to Welsh rail in decades—bringing the region closer to a fully integrated, high‑frequency Metro system.
Image credits: Transport for Wales
