Welsh First Minister Eluned Morgan has announced that CityLink tram-trains (Class 398) are in the final stages of testing before being introduced into service this spring on some of the main lines of the Core Valleys Lines network – a suburban network in South Wales serving the Cardiff metropolitan area and the surrounding valleys (South Wales Valleys).
“Improving transport across Wales is one of my top priorities – by investing in high-quality transport that is more reliable, more convenient, and more enjoyable for users. With the arrival of the new tram-trains this spring, we are going through an extremely exciting period for transport in Wales,” said the First Minister of Wales during a visit to the Taffs Well depot, where the CityLink tram-trains will be based.
The Class 398 tram-trains, part of the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment in brand new trains, have the unique ability to run on both rail and tram lines. They offer more frequent and faster services, level platform access, modern air conditioning, power sockets, improved passenger information screens, and multifunctional spaces for bicycles and wheelchair users.
The vehicles are hybrid—electric and battery-powered—and can operate on both electrified and non-electrified lines. They are manufactured by Stadler under a contract signed in 2019 for 36 CityLink tram-trains and 35 Flirt trains. The tram-trains can travel at 100 km/h on the rail network. They are 40 meters long, consist of three cars, and have a capacity of over 250 passengers.
With six multifunctional spaces for bicycles, seats for people with reduced mobility, and two seats for wheelchair users. CityLink is a modular family of light rail vehicles, specially designed to connect the city center with the suburbs, ensuring seamless travel.
The new vehicles entered the testing phase in April 2025 and will be put into service on the Merthyr, Aberdare, and Treherbert lines, with routes to Cardiff and Cardiff Bay.
Over £1 billion has been invested in transforming the rail infrastructure in South Wales, including the electrification of over 170 km of railway lines, including the above-mentioned lines.
A new, purpose-built £100 million depot has also been built at Taff’s Well, which will serve as both a control center for the network and a location for the 36 new tram-trains. The depot was inaugurated by the King of Great Britain in November 2025.
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