TfW launches new South Wales Metro trains

Credit: Transport for Wales

Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced that the first of the brand new South Wales Metro trains have been launch, as part of the £800 million investment in new trains for the Wales and Borders network.

Providing increased capacity with more and improved seating, modern air conditioning, power sockets and passenger information screens with up-to-the-minute travel information, the new trains will help transform the customer experience.

With the first one having officially launched on the Rhymney Valley line on 29 March 2023, TfW will continue to introduce 35 of these trains over the coming years throughout South Wales, along with 36 electric tram trains. In addition, each train will have space for up to six bikes and automatic level boarding to assist those with limited mobility.

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Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with a responsibility for transport, Lee Waters, said: “Travelling on these new carriages is such a different experience from travelling on the old ones. There’s more room, it’s much more comfortable and it is quieter and smoother.”

James Price, CEO of Transport for Wales, said: “This is another key milestone for TfW, these brand new Class 231 trains will transform the customer experience and signify the first deliverable of the South Wales Metro. People are now starting to see transformation across our network with the introduction of brand new, modern trains that will attract people to use public transport. We introduced our CAF Class 197 to the network at the start of the year (2023) and we’re proud today (29 March 2023) to launch yet another brand new train in the Stadler Class 231 train. The South Wales Metro is a phased project and today signifies it is now starting to be delivered.”