Stadler has announced that they have won another major contract. This one is the contract to provide CITYLINK tram-trains and FLIRT (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train) for the new Wales and Borders franchise.
71 trains are set to be introduced to Wales from 2022. The contract is made up of 36 three-car CITYLINK and 35 FLIRT trains, totalling the 71 trains on order.
The CITYLINK tram-trains will run from Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil. These trains rely on 25 kV as well as battery power to bring back on-street running to Cardiff for the first time in 70 years.
11 of the FLIRT trains will be diesel powered and will be used in South Wales, particularly the South Wales Metro to Maesteg, Ebbw Vale and Cheltenham. The other 24 units will be tri-mode (battery, overhead electric and diesel). These will be put into service in 2023 and will be used on routes linking the Vale of Glamorgan and destinations north of Cardiff. They will be powered by electricity north of Cardiff and used on diesel to the south.
The tri-mode trains reduce the need for the costly changes to 55 of the bridges along the route, especially north of Caerphilly.
What did the officials say?
Ralf Warwel, sales director at Stadler Rail, commented:
“Stadler is very proud to have been chosen to supply this unique and innovative fleet of rolling stock for the Wales and Borders franchise. 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.”
Economy and transport secretary, Ken Skates said:
“Through our £5bn investment in rail services we are introducing innovative, cost effective and environmentally friendly travel solutions that have the needs of our passengers right at their heart. Stadler’s tram trains will make up an exciting part of our new rail offer in South
Wales and I look forward to their introduction.”
James Price, chief executive, Transport for Wales, commented:
“We’re at the beginning of an exciting new journey as we transform our transport network and deliver a new vision for transport, with the people and places of Wales at the heart of our mission. Stadler’s rolling stock will play a key role in in this transformation.”
Transport for Wales Rail Services is operated by Keolis Amey Wales Cymru. Colin Lea is mobilisation director. He concluded:
“We would like to thank Stadler for working extremely hard with us to design trains which will enable the innovative South Wales Metro solution. This will transform the passenger experience and enable 100 per cent electric running on the valley lines north of Cardiff.
This power will be sourced from renewable energy and 50 per cent of that from within Wales. These superb trains will help us cut journey times, provide far more capacity and will put Wales at the forefront of ‘smart electrification’ technologies.”
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Responses
Well done to Stadler. They will help improve the railways in Wales with new trains and tram-trains that will be beneficial for Cardiff and the Welsh Valley Lines. And to serve Swansea & Newport with new trains to boost capacity. And to introduce extra trains on other lines in Wales including operating on the North Wales line.