The first new electric-powered trains have entered service on the South Wales Metro. With electrification of the Core Valley Lines into Cardiff progressing, the first ever trimode trains in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ will be introduced on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Rhymney Lines into Cardiff.
The trains are able to operate in electric, battery and diesel modes. By spring next year there will be 14 tri-modes - class 756 fast light intercity regional trains (FLIRTs) - in operation. A lesser number of existing older diesel trains will still operate on the three main lines into the capital alongside them.
The tri-modes, which will be able to operate in battery mode on some limited parts of the Metro network where electric wires are not live such as through tunnels, are being built by Swiss train-maker Stadler. The company is also delivering 36 new tram-trains for Transport for Wales (TfW).
On the three lines north of Cardiff the tri-modes will not operate in diesel mode and mainly in electric. Once the tram-trains, which are also being built by Stadler, are brought into service on the Core Valley Lines from the end of next year, the new tri-modes will start to be deployed on the Rhymney, Coryton and Vale of Glamorgan Lines - replacing new diesel and electric bi-mode trains introduced last year by TfW. These trains currently run in diesel mode.
The tri-modes will travel from Rhymney to Barry Island and Bridgend, as well as from Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth. The existing new bi-mode trains will be deployed elsewhere by TfW, including for services to Maesteg and Ebbw Vale.
As part of an £800m investment in new rolling stock across the Wales and Borders network, TfW has introduced 65 brand-new trains and seven premier class MK4 trains over the last two years. Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: "This is great news and a truly historic moment as we see the introduction of the first brand new electric trains on the South Wales Metro.
"These state-of-the-art electric trains with greater capacity will make passengers journeys more comfortable and with the addition of the latest technology allowing for wifi and up to the minute travel information screens, are sure to encourage more people to use the train for their travel needs."
James Price, chief executive of Transport for Wales, said: "This is a huge moment for TfW and Wales, as we're the first in the º£½ÇÊÓƵ to be introducing this modern tri-mode train into passenger service. Our teams and delivery partners have been working on transforming our rail infrastructure in South Wales for the last three years and this signifies the next phase of the South Wales Metro.
"We've been modernising and electrifying the railway line and we are now extremely proud to be able to introduce the first of our brand-new trains that will be powered by electricity. We've already introduced 65 brand-new trains to the whole of our network and we're excited to now add our Class 756 electric trains that will offer customers more capacity, improved seating, modern air conditioning, power sockets, wifi and passenger information screens with up-to-the-minute travel information. They'll also feature automatic level boarding and space for up to six bikes."
Emil Hansen, commercial project manager for Stadler, added: "We are thrilled to see the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's first FLIRT tri-mode enter passenger service in Wales. Using battery technology, these transformative rail vehicles represent a significant leap forward in Transport for Wales' efforts to drive decarbonisation and underscore Stadler's trail-blazing technology and commitment to clean energy.
"The realisation of these state-of-the-art trains is testament to the effective collaboration between Transport for Wales, Stadler and many other involved parties, and we look forward to continue building on this successful partnership."
