Brand new electric trains offering travellers an improved
customer experience are now being used on Transport for Wales
services between Coryton, Caerphilly and Penarth.
An additional five new tri-mode Class 756 trains, which are part
of the Welsh Government's £800m investment in new trains, will
join the fleet that are already transforming passenger's
experiences on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines, taking
the total of brand-new electric trains in service daily to 19
(with 24 in the total fleet).
The new trains, which provide 50% more capacity and improved
accessibility, including level boarding, are being introduced
after a successful trial on the Coryton line earlier this year.
The line is also set to benefit from a Sunday service, for the
first time, from December.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said:
“I am delighted that we are introducing more brand-new electric
trains on the Core Valleys Lines to deliver Better Transport for
Wales.
“The Class 756 state-of-the-art trains are transforming travel
for passengers with faster and more frequent services as well as
greater capacity, comfort, and improved accessibility.
“This is another significant milestone on our mission to upgrade
the Core Valley Lines and deliver a turn-up-and go metro
service.”
TfW planning and performance director Lea said:
“In June last year we developed a new timetable to get the best
out of our brand-new trains, which after a few tweaks was a
success.
“Customers will now benefit from these changes with more capacity
and reliability, level boarding and a better overall experience,
as well as an hourly Sunday service from December.”
Notes to editors
To support the introduction of the longer three-carriage trains,
Ty Glas station and its level crossing are now closed for
redevelopment.
Since March at least nine out of ten trains on the Coryton Line
arrived at their destination within three minutes of their
scheduled time and cancellations on the line have been
significantly reduced.
Passengers can find more information and FAQs about the
improvements by visiting TfW's designated webpage on these works:
Transformation of the
Coryton and Lower Rhymney lines | Transport for
Wales
