As we know now, the tram-trains for South Wales are in their final stages of testing with the plan being that they will be introduced into service this summer. In this latest pictorial update we take another look at some of the units under test/training and also take a peek into their purpose built depot at Taff’s Well. Dave Cook with the images.
The tram-trains which are being introduced are from the Citylink family – the same as those which run on the South Yorkshire Supertram – with 36 having been ordered by Transport for Wales as part of a major investment in updating their rolling stock. Whilst they will eventually be used on the (as yet to be built) Cardiff Central to Cardiff Bay tram line, they will initially be used on conventional rail services with the Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay service set to be the first to get them.
398 023 is seen in this view on a training run at Treorcy on 9th June 2026.
It’s a damp 12th June and more crew training is taking place with 398 017 in use. Its seen here at Taff’s Well.
Looking into the new depot and we can see no fewer than six class 398s at rest. Closest to the camera is 398 013.
And in this view we can see 398 006 waiting until it can get out of the depot. (All Photographs by Dave Cook)
I’m going to be in Cardiff on the afternoon/evening of Friday July 24 (as part of a week-long rail rover tour) and had hoped to find some of these in service by then, but that seems increasingly unlikely, unfortunately. Any suggestions as to whether and where I might find some on test, please?