Today, Monday, 18th November, is a landmark for Britain’s railways, as it will be the first time electric ‘tri-mode’ trains will have operated passenger services in the UK.

In a phased introduction, the Class 756 electric ‘tri-mode’ trains will initially enter service on the lines to Merthyr and Aberdare lines, followed by the line to Treherbert.

Their introduction on these Valley Lines in South Wales marks a great step forward in delivering the next phase of the South Wales Metro.

As more Class 756s enter service, Transport for Wales’ older trains will be withdrawn and by spring next year there are planned to be 14 new trains in service.

Once Tram-Trains enter service on the new South Wales Metro in late 2025, the Class 756s will be transferred to services from Rhymney to Barry Island and Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan line from Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth.

The Class 756 trains, also known by the acronym FLIRTs (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains, have been built by Stadler and are the first in the UK that can operate from diesel or battery power and from overhead wires.

As a prelude to their introduction, the Merthyr, Aberdare, and Treherbert lines have been electrified, station platforms lengthened to accommodate the new longer trains, and accessibility improvements made to stations along the routes.

As well as the Class 756s, in the last two years Transport for Wales has introduced 65 new trains and seven premier class Mk.4 trains to the Wales and Borders network as part of an £800 million investment in new trains.

Part of the funding to transform the Core Valley Lines for the South Wales Metro to enable faster and more frequent services between Cardiff and the Heads of the Valleys has come from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

“This is great news and a truly historic moment as we see the introduction of the first brand new electric trains on the South Wales metro. These state-of-the-art electric trains with greater capacity will make passengers journeys more comfortable and with the addition of the latest technology allowing for Wi Fi and up to the minute travel information screens, are sure to encourage more people to use the train for their travel needs.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates