Stadler to deliver more than 70 trains to Wales
Bussnang TG – Train manufacturer Stadler Rail has been awarded a contract to supply 71 trains to Wales & Borders. Some of these trains will operate in Cardiff, which hasn’t seen tram traffic in 70 years.
The order from Wales & Borders comprises 36 three-car CITYLINK tram-trains and 35 FLIRT trains, according to a Stadler Railpress release.
The CITLINK trains, which use both electric and battery power, will operate from Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil. “These trains will be back on-street running to Cardiff for the first time in 70 years,” states the train manufacturer from the St.GallenBodenseeArea.
Stadler calls the use of batteries on tram-trains as an “innovative and cost-effective solution”.
The same applies to the tri-mode drive of the FLIRT trains, 24 of which are capable of running on diesel, overhead electric wires and battery power. These will be used on routes linking the Vale of Glamorgan in the south to destinations north of Cardiff. The 11 other FLIRT trains are diesel-operated and will operate on the South Wales Metro network between Maesteg, Ebbw Vale and Cheltenham.
All 71 trains will be introduced from 2022.
“Stadler is very proud to have been chosen to supply this unique and innovative fleet of rolling stock for the Wales and Borders franchise,” said Ralf Warwel, sales director at Stadler Rail.
“The introduction of new rolling stock in South Wales will be appreciated by passengers not only because of the high levels of comfort but also thanks to the use of the latest battery power technology.”