Brand new tram-trains being tested in south Wales

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Brand new tram-trains that can carry more than 250 passengers are being tested in south Wales.

The trams, supplied by Swiss firm Stadler, are able to run on both rail and tram lines and will operate on electrical lines and battery power.

They are being trialled on the South Wales Metro railway lines, Transport for Wales (TfW) has said.

The 40-metre long trams can travel at speeds of up to 100km per hour (62mph) and are expected to be ready for passengers in 2024.

Electrification on the Rhymney line is also expected in 2024.

In a press release, TfW said the trams will feature “spacious, bright and air-conditioned passenger compartments with six multifunctional areas for bicycles, seats for people with reduced mobility and two wheelchair passenger spaces”.

Welsh Government deputy minister Lee Waters, who has responsibility for transport, hailed the new trams as “great news” and said: “Funded by our £800m investment in a new fleet of trains, these new light rail tram-trains, electrically powered, faster and with greater capacity, will play an important part in our plans to transform rail services in Wales.”

Alexia Course, chief commercial officer at TfW, said: “This is another major milestone for us at TfW, we’ve already introduced three new types of train to our network for passengers to use this year.

“We’re now pleased to be testing our light rail tram-trains that will operate a turn up and go service on the South Wales Metro in the very near future.

“Wales has yet to experience light rail travel and these vehicles will provide faster, cleaner and more efficient travel.

“We’re investing £800 million in brand-new trains for Wales and a billion pounds on the South Wales Metro and through transforming our network we want to encourage more people to travel sustainably.”