Written Statement (Wales): Launch of New Electric Trains on the Core Valley Lines - Nov 18

Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales: I am delighted to announce to Members of the Senedd the entry into service of brand-new electric Class 756 trains on the Core Valley Lines for the first time. This is part of our £800m investment in new trains for Wales.

The introduction of the electric ‘tri-mode' trains today is a first for the UK. The Class 756s are state-of-the-art trains built by leading manufacturer Stadler. They will be powered by the overhead electrified wires installed as part of our transformation of the Core Valley Lines. The trains offer greater capacity and comfort for passengers with improved accessibility, Wi-Fi and modern customer information screens. 

The new Class 756 trains will be phased in, first on the Aberdare and Merthyr lines and then the Treherbert line in the new year. We expect fourteen to be in service by Spring next year.

This is a significant milestone on our mission to upgrade the Core Valley Lines and deliver a turn-up-and go metro service. We are transforming travel for passengers, with faster and more frequent services operated by brand-new trains.