Transport for Wales are set to unveil their modernised trains at the biennial InnoTrans trade fare in Berlin, with The FLIRT (Fast, Light, Intercity and Regional Train) tri-mode and CITYLINK trains set to revolutionise the Welsh rolling stock game.
Alexia Course, TfW Chief Commercial Officer said:
“We’re extremely proud to have our new Stadler trains on show at InnoTrans this year and we’re excited to start introducing them to our Wales and Borders network over the coming months and years.
“We’re on a transformational journey at TfW and these new trains are a key part of improving the customer experience, so that we can encourage more people to travel sustainably on public transport.
“These are modern trains, with high quality features that will offer our customers more accessible, reliable and greener transport.”
TfW have ordered multiple units to their fleet, adding 24 of the FLIRT tri-modes (electric, battery or diesel) and 36 CITYLINK tram-trains, with a further 11 bi-mode FLIRTs (electric and diesel) to its fleet.
These trains have a strong level of environmental sustainability aiding in the UK’s ambitions to achieve carbon Net-Zero, whilst also significantly improving the passenger experiences through level-boarding, air conditioning, power sockets, wi-fi, up-to-date passenger information screens, bike spaces and spaces for those with reduced mobility. The new fleet will also produce less noise disruption as they traverse the lines with minimal vibrations due to the capacity for electric power.
The tri-mode trains will be powered through electrification towards the north of Cardiff, seeing diesel fuelling as it traverses further south, adapting to either method with seamless connectivity across Wales. This technology is innovative as it greatly reduces the need for costly electrification extensions and infrastructure upgrades.
The innovation continues with the CITYLINK tram trains, as they have been adapted to travel across both rail tracks and tram lines, whilst having a driver’s cab at each end.
Ralf Warwel, UK and Ireland sales director, Ireland, said:
“Stadler is delighted to be delivering 71 state of the art trains for Transport for Wales. They exemplify our cutting-edge green technology, will boost sustainable travel and provide an improved journey experience for passengers.”
TfW have pledged £800m of investment into their new train fleet, seeing as early a rollout as Autumn 2022, with the FLIRT tri-mode and CITYLINK trains being expected for passenger services in 2024.
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