Brand-new electric tram trains that will aim to improve transport across the South Wales valleys have been unveiled at their new £100 million depot at Taff’s Well.  

As part of the South Wales Metro project being delivered by Transport for Wales, the light rail vehicles are the first to be introduced in Wales, operating on both electric lines and battery power.   

Travelling up to 100 km/h on rail they will also be able to run on tram lines and at 40 metres long will hold up to 252 passengers.  

The new £100 million Taff’s Well depot is progressing and will become the home of the South Wales Metro providing electrical controls and signalling for the network as well as a maintenance depot for the new tram trains. 

Karl Gilmore, Rail Infrastructure Director, TfW, said: 

“We’re making huge progress at our depot at Taff’s Well and everything is now becoming very visual.  The maintenance depot and control centre buildings are both erected and can be clearly seen and the railway tracks connecting the depot to the mainline have been laid."

Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer, TfW, said: 

“Our Citylink Class 398 Tram Trains that have been manufactured by Stadler are now on test in South Wales and this signifies another step closer to delivering the South Wales Metro."“