South Wales is set to introduce new tram-trains that can carry more than 250 passengers and travel on both rail and tram lines. Manufactured by Swiss company Stadler, the trams will operate on electrical lines and battery power. They are being trialled on the South Wales Metro railway lines and are expected to be ready for passengers by 2024. The 40-metre long trams can travel at speeds of up to 100km per hour and will feature air-conditioned passenger compartments, bicycle storage, seats for people with reduced mobility, and two wheelchair passenger spaces.
Welsh Government deputy minister Lee Waters praised the trams as “great news” and highlighted their role in the government’s plans to transform rail services in Wales, which include £800 million investment in a new fleet of trains and a billion-pound investment in the South Wales Metro. The introduction of the trams is another major milestone for Transport for Wales (TfW), which introduced three new types of train to its network earlier this year. TfW’s chief commercial officer Alexia Course noted the trams will provide faster, cleaner, and more efficient travel, adding that they will encourage more people to travel sustainably.
The introduction of the tram-trains is part of an ongoing project to modernize Welsh rail services. Electrification on the Rhymney line is also expected in 2024, while the new tram-trains will offer a turn-up-and-go service on the South Wales Metro. The vehicles are expected to transform light rail travel in Wales, offering a new level of speed, capacity, and efficiency to passengers. Overall, the introduction of the tram-trains is a significant step forward in improving the quality and accessibility of transport in South Wales.
