We seem to have been waiting a very long time, but it seems the end is finally in sight of the introduction into service of the Stadler Citylink Tram-Trains in South Wales. Transport for Wales have confirmed that they are now in the final stages of preparing for their entry into service, although the previously announced spring entry does see to have slipped to the summer (which probably isn’t a surprise considering how close we are to the official start of summer now!).
36 of the Citylink class 398 Tram-Trains are being built for Transport for Wales, part of £800 million worth of investment into upgrading the train fleets for the Wales and Borders region. It is now planned that they will be introduced on Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay services this summer.
That will see them basically being used as trains, with the tram bit not coming until 2028. That is the planned opening date for the first section of an on-street line linking Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay.
Testing and crew training of the units is now taking place on an almost daily basis which will allow them to be used in service in the coming weeks. They will allow journey times to reduce to around 50 minutes between Cardiff and Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr, with a train running every 15 minutes.
One of the most controversial aspects of the tram-trains is the fact that they do not have toilets on-board and will be replacing trains which do. Recognising this Transport for Wales are investing in toilet facilities at stations. Nine new station toilets are being installed whilst five existing facilities are being upgraded. This should mean that anyone travelling on tram-train services is never more than 20 minutes away from a toilet.
Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW, said: “Our teams are working extremely hard as we move into the final stages ahead of introducing our first tram‑trains into service. With driver and train manager training nearing completion and testing taking place most days, we’re making strong progress towards launching these services.
“The tram‑trains are central to delivering the faster, more frequent journeys promised by the South Wales Metro and, alongside pay as you go, will support a true turn‑up‑and‑go service for communities across the Valleys.”
On a visit on 29th May 2026 398 017, 398 019 and 398 024 were noted in use on test/training.
Meanwhile, the purpose built Taff’s Well Depot saw 398 001, 398 002, 398 004–398 006, 398 009, 398 010, 398 012–398 014, 398 020, 398 023, 398 025, 398 026, 398 028–398 031, 398 033, 398 034 visible. Its believed some others have been moved to Old Dalby for further testing but its not known which units they are.
398 024 seen on test.
Another unit on test at Taff’s Well with 398 019 in this image. (Both Photographs by Dave Cook, 29th May 2026)