Transport for Wales (TfW) has revealed that electric ‘tri-mode’ trains will be introduced to passenger services for the first time in the UK today [18 November] as part of the South Wales Metro.
They will enter passenger service on the Merthyr and Aberdare lines first, followed by the Treherbert line.
In a phased introduction, the tri-mode trains will replace TfW’s older trains, with fourteen set to be in service by 2025.
Transport for Wales has already introduced sixty-five brand-new trains and seven premier class MK4 trains to the Wales and Borders network over the last two years as part of their £800m investment into new trains.
Built by leading manufacturer 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.
Transport for Wales CEO James Price said: “This is a huge moment for TfW and Wales, as we’re the first in the UK to be introducing this modern ‘tri-mode’ train into passenger service.
“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 sixty-five 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.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable public transport will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
