A deal has been confirmed for 71 Stadler trains for Transport for Wales.
The Swiss manufacturer revealed on August 13 that 36 three-car Citylink tram-trains and 35 FLIRTs for the main line would be built for TfW. These were initially announced when KeolisAmey won the TfW franchise in June (RAIL 855).
The tram-trains will run from Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil, and will also feature battery power. They will be powered mainly by 25kV overhead wires, and will operate on streets in the Welsh capital.
Eleven of the FLIRTs will be diesel-powered, while the remaining 24 will be tri-mode trains that will be used on the Vale of Glamorgan routes and to destinations north of Cardiff. They will use overhead line electrification on the Valleys and diesel in the south. They will also feature battery technology.
The new trains will be longer than the Class 14x Pacers and Class 15x Sprinters currently used.
Ralf Warwel, sales director at Stadler Rail, said: “The introduction of new rolling stock in South Wales will be appreciated by passengers - not only because of the high levels of comfort, but also thanks to the use of the latest battery power technology. This new technology, when rolled out nationwide, will bring the industry one step closer to being carbon-neutral.”
- For the FULL story, read RAIL 860, published on August 29, and available digitally on Android/iPad from August 25.
- To read about the new TfW franchise, read RAIL 855, available digitally on Android/iPad.
- For an EXCLUSIVE interview with TfW Mobilisation Director Colin Lea, read RAIL 855, available digitally on Android/iPad.
AndrewJG8918 - 16/08/2018 11:49
Its a great idea that Stadler will help improve the railways in Wales. Including building new rolling stocks that will replace the older stocks (including the Class 142 and Class 143 Pacers) with new Bi/Tri-Mode trains and tram-trains. Aswell KeliosAmey Wales to import existing rolling stocks from LNER, Class 170's from Greater Anglia and Class 153's from GWR to be used in other parts of Wales. Aswell the electrification on the GW Line to Cardiff and Swansea which GWR Class 800's and Class 802's will soon be running on once the overhead wires has been installed.