Transport for Wales has today (29th of March) launched their brand new South Wales Metro trains marking the beginning of a new transport era for Wales. A ceremony was held in Caerphilly marking the occasion with the launch of the trains being carried out by Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS.

Swiss train manufacturer Stadler built the impressive Class 231 Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains aka FLIRTs as part of an £800m investment by Transport for Wales for the Wales and Borders network.

The new trains will bring many benefits for passengers including:

• Increased capacity
• Improved seating
• Modern air conditioning
• Power sockets
• Passenger information screens display up-to-the-minute travel information.

The first of the new trains saw its official launch today (29th March) on the Rhymney Valley Line with Transport for Wales set to introduce 35 more of the Class 231s over the coming years alongside 36 electric tram trains.

The trains will also feature enough space for up to six bikes as well as offering automatic level boarding which will support people with limited mobility.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, with a responsibility for transport, Lee Waters said:

“Travelling on these new carriages is such a different experience from travelling on the old ones. There’s more room, it’s much more comfortable and it is quieter and smoother. Come and give them a try.”

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said: “This is another key milestone for TfW, these brand-new Class 231 trains will transform the customer experience and signify the first deliverable of the South Wales Metro.  People are now starting to see transformation across our network with the introduction of brand-new, modern trains that will attract people to use public transport.

“We introduced our CAF Class 197 to the network at the start of the year and we’re proud today to launch yet another brand-new train in the Stadler Class 231 train. The South Wales Metro is a phased project and today signifies it is now starting to be delivered.”

Urs Bikle, Stadler’s Head of Engineering in Bussnang, added: “Stadler is delighted to see the first of the 71 trains we are delivering for Wales and the Borders enter passenger service. Thirty-five of these are FLIRTs, our best-selling product, of which we have sold 2,500 in 21 countries.

“Designed with the passenger in mind, they enjoy high levels of comfort, operational performance, reliability and versatility. Level-boarding features throughout the train to make getting on and off easier for everyone, maintenance-friendly devices and components keep operating costs low, and lightweight aluminium bodyshells promote environmental efficiency.”