CAF AND STADLER FLEETS TO START ENTERING SERVICE NEXT YEAR
TRANSPORT FOR Wales has started to show mock-ups of its new trains to stakeholders. All its new fleets are due to enter service in the next two years.
Most of interest among the trio of mock-ups is the Class 398 tram-train from Stadler, which looks unlike any rail vehicle which has operated in Wales. The mock-up demonstrates level boarding from platform to vehicle. The tram-trains will be used on the lines from Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil. A depot for the 36 three-car sets is in the early stages of construction, near the shed in Taff’s Well where the mock-ups are kept.
TfW also has a mock-up of part of a Class 756 Stadler Flirt, for use on the lines from Cardiff to Rhymney, Coryton, Penarth, Barry Island and Bridgend. The short section of vehicle on show demonstrates the raised floor beneath the seats, each side of the aisle. The 17x4-car and 7x3-car Class 756s will operate on battery, overhead electric and diesel power. Stadler will also supply 11 four-car Class 231 Flirt units, with diesel engines only, for services from Cardiff to Ebbw Vale, Cheltenham and Maesteg.
