Electric 'tri-mode' trains have been introduced to passenger services for the first time in the UK today (Monday 18 November) as part of the South Wales Metro.
The new trains are entering passenger service first on the Merthyr and Aberdare lines, followed by the Treherbert line. In a phased introduction, they will replace TfW's older trains and will be introduced to the Coryton Line, serving Rhiwbina, Birchgrove, Whitchurch, and other local stations later next year (2025).
Built by Stadler, the new Class 756 Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains (FLIRTs) will be powered by the recently installed overhead electrified wires, which carry 25,000V.
These 'tri-mode' trains are the first in the UK that can use diesel or battery on sections of railway track where there are no overhead wires.
The Welsh Government's cabinet secretary for transport 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 Wi Fi and up-to-the-minute travel information screens, are sure to encourage more people to use the train for their travel needs."
James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said: "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'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."
The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.
These trains will be introduced over the coming months onto the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines, replacing older trains, with 14 units in total in service by spring 2025.
🚆We reported earlier this year that Rhiwbina and other stations on the Coryton Line will get no extra trains as a result of the new South Wales Metro system - a situation described by the expert behind the concept as a "woeful underprovision".
Professor Mark Barry said: "The current poor patronage on the City and Coryton lines is as a direct result of the poor service frequency. There really is little or no point operating a 2tph [trains per hour] rail service in Cardiff if one is serious about mode shift and operational/financial efficiency".
You can read that story here.
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