The first tram trains in Wales have been unveiled at their new £100 million depot at Taff's Well. The light rail vehicles are the first to be introduced in Wales, operating on both electric lines and battery power.
The tram trains are 40 metres long and have a capacity of 252 passengers. They can travel up to 100 km/h on rail and will also be able to run on tram lines.
The tram trains are part of the South Wales Metro project, which is being delivered by Transport for Wales. The project is aiming to improve connectivity across the region and improve frequency and reliability across the network.
They will initially be used on the Valley Lines, which connect Cardiff with the Rhondda Valleys, the Cynon Valleys, and the Merthyr Valleys.
Karl Gilmore, rail infrastructure director at TfW 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.”
Alexia Course, chief commercial officer at Transport for Wales, said: “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 3 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.”
The South Wales Metro, once completed will be an integrated multi-modal transport network with electrification of the core valley lines along with double tracking and new stations on several routes across the region.
Photo Credit: Transport for Wales
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