The first of 36 Stadler built tram-trains entered service on Transport for Wales services back on 23rd June 2026 when 398 028 operated on the Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay route. Since then more of the Citylink vehicles have entered service – although at the moment they aren’t able to show their tram capabilities as they are being used on conventional railway services.
398 028 was soon followed into service by 398 031 and 398 024 in the first week. Since then 398 017, 398 022, 398 029 and 398 030 have also been used for passenger service – making a total of seven to have run so far.
They remain confined to the Pontypridd-Queen Street-Cardiff Bay service with the standard diagram also including some workings between Queen Street and Cardiff Bay only. Initially the diagram mainly saw them out in service during the morning, but more recently not only has a second diagram been in use but it has been a longer stay out.
All passenger services so far have been single units but testing has also been continuing and this has included double units out and about. Eventually when the full fleet is in use its expected that there will be some doubles in use.
From 2028 (this date being the official word from Transport for Wales) they will also be able to be used as trams when the Cardiff Bay to Cardiff Central route is built, but until then they will be used by TfW on conventional railway routes.
The curved platform at Cardiff Queen Street is seen here with 398 028 being the unit in service on the day of these photos.
398 028 is seen again as it departs from Cardiff Queen Street.
398 028 is this time departing Pontypridd.
On board 398 028 showing the interior. Although most seating is airline type there are also some bays of four available.
398 016+398 023 were also out as a pair on test runs. With 016 leading this is at Pontypridd.
With 398 023 at the rear the pair set off on test from Pontypridd. (All Photographs by Richard Delahoy, 24th July 2026)