Transport for Wales is entering the final stage of preparations for the introduction of the first new tram-trains on the Pontypridd–Cardiff Bay service, scheduled for this summer. The new electric vehicles are part of the South Wales Metro project, which aims to provide faster and more frequent connections between Cardiff and the valleys of South Wales.
Transport for Wales (TfW), the public transport operator in Wales, is in the final stages of preparations for the introduction of its first tram-trains. The vehicles will initially be used on the Pontypridd–Cardiff Bay service, replacing the older Class 150 trains currently operating on this route.
Training for train crews is already underway, and tests are taking place almost daily. The first vehicles in a fleet of 36 Stadler Citylink tram-trains are set to enter service this summer.
The new vehicles are fully electric and are considered essential for implementing the ambitious schedule of the South Wales Metro, the transportation project aimed at improving connections between Cardiff and the South Welsh valleys.
Faster travel and trains every 15 minutes
Transport for Wales states that the performance of the new vehicles, combined with the infrastructure work already completed, will reduce travel times to approximately 50 minutes between Cardiff and Treherbert, Aberdare, and Merthyr.
On these routes, services are expected to run at 15-minute intervals, though the changes will be introduced gradually, in several phases.
The tram-trains will also allow for future network expansion, as they can run on light rail lines. This capability is important for the Cardiff Crossrail project, which is expected to bring rail service to several communities.
Vehicles for metro-style travel
The new tram-trains are designed for short, frequent, hop-on-hop-off travel, similar to that found in a metro or urban tram system.
The vehicles have three cars, an open interior, and improved space for wheelchairs and bicycles. Access will be level between the train and the platform to facilitate passenger boarding and alighting.
Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Transport for Wales, stated that teams are working intensively ahead of the introduction of the first tram-trains into service.
“Our teams are working extremely hard as we enter the final stages before the first tram-trains enter service. With the training of mechanics and train conductors nearing completion and tests taking place almost daily, we are making solid progress toward the launch of these services,” he said.
He added that the tram-trains are designed to deliver faster and more frequent journeys on the South Wales Metro.
“Tram-trains are essential to delivering the faster and more frequent journeys promised by the South Wales Metro, and, together with the pay-as-you-go system, will support a true turn-up-and-go service for communities in the valleys,” Dan Tipper added.
New restrooms at stations, as the vehicles do not have onboard restrooms
As with other metro systems in the UK and Europe, TfW’s tram-trains will not have onboard restrooms. Transport for Wales says that access to restrooms remains important for passengers and that it has made a significant investment to improve facilities at stations along the routes where the new vehicles will operate.
The company is installing nine new restrooms and upgrading another five existing facilities on the Treherbert, Aberdare, and Merthyr lines. According to TfW, these improvements should ensure that passengers traveling on the tram-trains will never be more than 20 minutes from a restroom during their journey.
The new restrooms are designed with a focus on accessibility. They will feature wheelchair access, grab bars, assistive handrails both inside and outside, baby-changing facilities, and dispensers for hygiene products.
Video surveillance and mobile maintenance teams
For passenger safety, TfW has upgraded video surveillance systems and lighting at all stations where the new restrooms are installed.
CCTV cameras outside the restrooms will transmit live footage to TfW’s control center at Taff’s Well, where monitoring is provided around the clock by a dedicated team.
Live help points will allow passengers to report any issues, and remote door locking is designed to reduce vandalism and antisocial behavior. TfW will also deploy mobile teams to clean and secure the restrooms.
Six of the nine new restrooms are nearing completion. During the modernization work at Pontypridd, Trefforest, and Radyr, Transport for Wales will provide temporary facilities, which will be available in time for the introduction of the first tram-trains.
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