Transport for Wales is preparing to introduce its first new tram-trains into passenger service this summer, with the vehicles set to operate between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay.
Driver training is continuing ahead of the launch, while test runs are taking place on most days. The fully electric tram-trains form a key part of the South Wales Metro programme, which is designed to improve links between Cardiff and the Valleys through faster and more frequent services.
Combined with infrastructure upgrades, the new fleet is expected to reduce journey times between Cardiff and Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr to around 50 minutes, with trains operating every 15 minutes as changes are introduced in phases.
TfW Toilet Pod // Credit: TfW
Like many tram and metro systems in the UK and Europe, the new vehicles will not feature onboard toilets. To support passengers, Transport for Wales is installing nine new station toilets and refurbishing five existing facilities across the network.
The accessible toilets will include wheelchair access, support rails, baby changing facilities, sanitary product dispensers, and help points. Transport for Wales has also upgraded station lighting and CCTV, with live monitoring from its Integrated Control Centre at Taff’s Well. The operator says passengers using tram-train services will be no more than 20 minutes from a toilet anywhere on the network.
“Our teams are working extremely hard as we move into the final stages ahead of introducing our first tram‑trains into service. With driver and train manager training nearing completion and testing taking place most days, we’re making strong progress towards launching these services.
“The tram‑trains are central to delivering the faster, more frequent journeys promised by the South Wales Metro and, alongside pay as you go, will support a true turn‑up‑and‑go service for communities across the Valleys.”
Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW.
