The primary of the brand-new South Wales Metro trains have been launched by Deputy Minister for Local weather Change, Lee Waters MS at a ceremony in Caerphilly, signifying the beginning of a brand new transport period.
The Class 231 Quick Gentle Intercity and Regional Trains (FLIRTs), constructed by main producer Stadler, are a part of the £800 million funding Transport for Wales is making in brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders community.
Offering elevated capability with extra and improved seating, trendy air-con, energy sockets and passenger info screens with up-to-the-minute journey info, the brand new trains will remodel the shopper expertise.
With the primary one formally launched on the Rhymney Valley line at this time, TfW will proceed to introduce 35 of those trains over the approaching years all through South Wales, together with 36 electrical tram-trains.
Every practice may have house for as much as six bikes and automated degree boarding to help these with restricted mobility.
Deputy Minister for Local weather Change, with a duty for transport, Lee Waters stated:
“Travelling on these new carriages is such a special expertise from travelling on the previous ones. There’s extra room, it’s rather more comfy and it’s quieter and smoother. Come and provides them a attempt.”
James Value, Transport for Wales CEO stated:
“That is one other key milestone for TfW, these brand-new Class 231 trains will remodel the shopper expertise and signify the primary deliverable of the South Wales Metro. Individuals at the moment are beginning to see transformation throughout our community with the introduction of brand-new, trendy trains that can entice folks to make use of public transport.
“We launched our CAF Class 197 to the community at the beginning of the 12 months and we’re proud at this time to launch yet one more brand-new practice within the Stadler Class 231 practice. The South Wales Metro is a phased venture and at this time signifies it’s now beginning to be delivered.”
Urs Bikle, Stadler’s Head of Engineering in Bussnang, added:
“Stadler is delighted to see the primary of the 71 trains we’re delivering for Wales and the Borders enter passenger service. Thirty-five of those are FLIRTs, our best-selling product, of which we have now offered 2,500 in 21 nations.
“Designed with the passenger in thoughts, they take pleasure in excessive ranges of consolation, operational efficiency, reliability and flexibility. Degree-boarding options all through the practice to make getting on and off simpler for everybody, maintenance-friendly units and parts hold working prices low, and light-weight aluminium bodyshells promote environmental effectivity.”
