The prolonged and delayed introduction into service of the Citylink tram-trains (which are still only really trains at the moment as the tram bit of line is yet to be built of course) took another turn in September when all serviceable examples were removed from service. But fortunately the following month saw some return to action and they continue to be available for use at the moment.
There are 36 of the Citylink tram-trains which have been ordered by Transport for Wales, of which 33 are believed to have been delivered to the purpose built Taffs Well Depot. They are fitted with batteries as well as being able to operate on overhead so will be able to be used on non-electrified sections of line in South Wales.
They will eventually be used on the tramway due to be constructed in Cardiff, the first section of which between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Central is due to be constructed in 2028. But until then they will used on the wider South Wales Metro network, with the first line to see them being the Cardiff Bay-Pontypridd route.
Both before and after the hiatus – official reasons from TfW as to why they were removed from service were never given except to say it was because “more trains than usual needed repairs at the same time” – at least 14 of the 36 have now been used in service. They are 398 017–398 026 and 398 028–398 031.
In addition to more units have entered service they have also expanded their operations to the Merthyr and Aberdare route.
Things are much delayed – quotes in a BBC News article suggest that it could be the end of 2027 for all 36 of the units to enter service – but at least they do now seem to be going in the right direction.