The first of the Stadler built class 398 tram-trains has entered service in South Wales. Tuesday 23rd June 2026 was the day that the first passengers could catch a ride on one of the units when 398 028 was allocated to service.
The initial booked turns for the class 398 Citylink units (which are being built as tram-trains but will be running as conventional trains until such a time as the Cardiff Bay to Cardiff Central tramway is built) are a morning diagram on the Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay route.
So far three different units have been used in service. 398 028 was used on the first day before 398 031 entered service on Wednesday 24th June and then 398 024 on Thursday 25th June. 398 024 was then used again on Friday 26th June.
It is expected that more of the units will enter service over the coming weeks and months. Of the 36 units on order, 33 are currently located in South Wales with 398 032 at Old Dalby and 398 034 and 398 035 yet to be delivered to the UK.