Testing of new trains for rail franchise starts in Switzerland

TESTING of new trains for the Wales & Borders rail franchise has started.

As part of overall orders for £800m worth of new rolling stock placed by Transport for Wales, Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains (FLIRTs) from Stadler are now being tested at its headquarters in Switzerland.

They consist of 11 diesel trains that will operate services between Cardiff and Ebbw Vale, Maesteg and Cheltenham and 23 trimodes, which will be able to switch between diesel, battery and electric modes, on the Rhymney, Coryton and Vale of Glamorgan Lines.

Stadler will also deliver 36 tramtrains for the South Wales Metro project with electrification of the Core Valley Lines.

Work on the Metro was scheduled to be completed by 2023, but due to Covid could slip into 2024. There is currently no update on the production schedule for the CityLink tram trains.

The trains will have greater capacity than existing rolling stock and will be more frequent with improved facilities including power sockets, information screens and air conditioning throughout. There will be space for up to six bikes on each train and level-boarding to assist those with limited mobility.

Transport for Wales chief executive, James Price, said: “From day one our main goal has been to transform transport and improve the customer experience. These brand-new trains with better facilities all round will provide a modern service for the people of Wales.

“Our teams are pushing ahead building the South Wales Metro and we’re moving forward with the new trains that will provide a modern turnup-and-go service that is greener for the environment.”