South Wales 'Metro' updates

[MikePJ]

It's not all being dualled, but the passing loop at Tir-Phil is being extended, and there'll be a second platform at Rhymney. Here's an extract from the planned works map. Blue means "to be electrified", red means "new track" and black means "stays as existing". These works have been well down TfW's priority list for a while, and aren't due for quite a while - likely in 2027.




== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jan 2026 ==

Another consultation on a minor change has come out - line speeds on the Llandaff line are to be reduced from 70mph to 60mph, making a temporary speed restriction permanent. The rationale is that the beacons used to signal power changeovers are designed for a line speed of 60mph, which is the top speed of a 398 (technically 100km/hr, so 62mph).

 

[Markdvdman]

Who in their right mind designed the 398s with a low top speed? It is this net zero junk. Makes me sick

 

[Starmill]

Who in their right mind designed the 398s with a low top speed? It is this net zero junk. Makes me sick

Net zero junk???????? It's, in essence, a slightly modified tram. Trams tend not to have any call to go over about 40 miles / hour so this is actually a very high top speed.

 

[MikePJ]

Also, relative to a Sprinter it'll have much better acceleration, so will give shorter journey times despite a lower maximum speed.

 

[John R]

Who in their right mind designed the 398s with a low top speed? It is this net zero junk. Makes me sick

So if you take Cathays to Llandaf as an example, it’s only 2 1/2 miles. So with 75mph saving 12 seconds per mile over 60mph, how much running at 75 would there be, and how many seconds would it save?

And that is one of the longer distances between stations (albeit not the longest) on the TAM lines, so the accumulated benefit of the higher speed would be pretty minimal across the network.

 

[Phillipimo]

Who in their right mind designed the 398s with a low top speed? It is this net zero junk. Makes me sick

Queen Street to Llandaf and Heath are the only stretches of track with a linespeed higher than 60mph on any route the 398's will operate on I believe, so probably not a big issue.

 

[John R]

Queen Street to Llandaf and Heath are the only stretches of track with a linespeed higher than 60mph on any route the 398's will operate on I believe, so probably not a big issue.

And at the moment there are no firm plans to run them to Heath. And even if they ever do, the stop at Crwys Rd will limit any ability to reach speeds above 60.

 

[Starmill]

If Gabalfa ever gets built I suspect that would put paid to nearly all running over 60 anyway.

 

[BillStampy]

Who in their right mind designed the 398s with a low top speed? It is this net zero junk. Makes me sick

How often will they actually need to exceed that top speed? They were designed with these routes and their speed limits in mind; plus they're literally trams.
As others have commented about the little section between Cathays and Llandaf, it probably wouldn't actually save a 'significant' amount of time, so why bother designing a tram at a higher max speed for a small 2.5 mile section of track when you can just settle at 60?

 

[Smwrff]

The 398s were not really designed to meet these requirements as such - they are largely an off-the-shelf design that was selected on the basis of these requirements, and then tailored a little bit. Max speed is secondary to quick acceleration.

 

[Markdvdman]

I meant that for future use, say more lines electrified, they would be difficult with a low top speed. I know on the Valleys Line it will not matter but then they really are more suited to Heavy Rail anyway - and yes I know it was to aid on street running in the Cardiff area!

 

[The exile]

I meant that for future use, say more lines electrified, they would be difficult with a low top speed. I know on the Valleys Line it will not matter but then they really are more suited to Heavy Rail anyway - and yes I know it was to aid on street running in the Cardiff area!

For most inner-suburban lines (the only type the 398s are really suited for) 60mph top speed would be more than adequate as long as they have good acceleration / braking, which as tram vehicles they will need anyway.

 

[edwin_m]

I meant that for future use, say more lines electrified, they would be difficult with a low top speed. I know on the Valleys Line it will not matter but then they really are more suited to Heavy Rail anyway - and yes I know it was to aid on street running in the Cardiff area!

The fleet is intended to serve the TAM lines and possibly some short off-rail extensions, but there aren't enough to cover any major new service that might arise. If a future new or newly electrified came along that was faster with fewer stops, then the 397s would carry on serving the TAM lines and other stock would be obtained that was more suitable for the new service.

 

[AdamWW]

Does anyone know if the power is actually on north of Caerphilly now?

 

[positron]

Deleted

 

[tfw756rider]

If a future new or newly electrified came along that was faster with fewer stops, then the 397s would carry on serving the TAM lines and other stock would be obtained that was more suitable for the new service.

Or even 398s

 

[Bob Price]

Does anyone know if the power is actually on north of Caerphilly now?

A 756 has done a test run in the past week so guess the answer is yes. I think the snow and bad weather may have called a halt for now. But they should be testing up there.

 

[Smwrff]

The Crossrail service will need 398 tram trains - initially only on the Central to Bay service so only 1 or 2 needed - but increasing progressively as line is extended eastwards to Pierhead then Cardiff East, and West to Creigiau.

It will then need more if Penarth and Coryton services are integrated into Crossrail (which would free up some 756s for alternative routes).

 

[tigermonstera]

Following on from earlier discussions, it was mentioned during FMQs today (Link) that the intention is for the Treherbert Line to have its frequency increased to 4tph this year:

And, from 2026, you'll be pleased to hear that we'll deliver four trains per hour on the Treherbert line, and that will be a step change in frequency that will make rail a genuinely convenient option for people across the Rhondda valleys.

 

[MikePJ]

Following on from earlier discussions, it was mentioned during FMQs today (Link) that the intention is for the Treherbert Line to have its frequency increased to 4tph this year:

Interesting! Presumably that will come by extending the Cardiff Bay to Pontypridd services.

 

[tigermonstera]

Interesting! Presumably that will come by extending the Cardiff Bay to Pontypridd services.

This seems likely. TfW have previously said that:

Initially, two out of the four services per hour from Treherbert will travel to Cardiff Queen Street and then onwards to Cardiff Bay. In addition to this, we’ll continue to run our Cardiff Queen Street to Cardiff Bay shuttle services, maintaining a frequency of 4 trains per hour.

 

[MikePJ]

Thanks! I had remembered seeing that but couldn't remember where!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

Cardiff Bay and Butetown update: there doesn't seem to have been much action over the Christmas period - a bit more paving has been laid at Cardiff Bay, and Butetown now has lamp standards and lights on the southbound platform. There were contractors at Butetown from Gee Communications, a firm who specialise in railway communications installations, so this is likely to be comms wiring and equipment for ticket machines, validators and passenger information systems. Looking at their website they're the prime contractor for telecomms and CCTV for Transport for Wales.

 

[CapitalStar378]

Thanks! I had remembered seeing that but couldn't remember where!

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Jan 2026 ==

Cardiff Bay and Butetown update: there doesn't seem to have been much action over the Christmas period - a bit more paving has been laid at Cardiff Bay, and Butetown now has lamp standards and lights on the southbound platform. There were contractors at Butetown from Gee Communications, a firm who specialise in railway communications installations, so this is likely to be comms wiring and equipment for ticket machines, validators and passenger information systems. Looking at their website they're the prime contractor for telecomms and CCTV for Transport for Wales.

I assuming (as you have to as TfW are not keen on talking) that the Butetown southbound platform will open in May, then the whole station will follow next year once the track works are complete at Queen St. Presumably then 6tph will commence, 2 from each TAM branch from May 2027.

 

[AdamWW]

Fencing now up on the Ty Glas platform extension but the platform end steps are still sitting on the ground waiting to be installed.

Aside from having to close Ty Glas station, the introduction of 756s onto the line seems to have gone smoothly as well as going down very well with passengers (and staff).

Following on from earlier discussions, it was mentioned during FMQs today (Link) that the intention is for the Treherbert Line to have its frequency increased to 4tph this year:

And, from 2026, you'll be pleased to hear that we'll deliver four trains per hour on the Treherbert line, and that will be a step change in frequency that will make rail a genuinely convenient option for people across the Rhondda valleys.

I find that rather amusing for the implication that the current services not to mention the lines that will remain at 2tph (or worse) indefinintely are not providing a genuinely convenient option...

 

[Lyndon666]

Fencing now up on the Ty Glas platform extension but the platform end steps are still sitting on the ground waiting to be installed.

Aside from having to close Ty Glas station, the introduction of 756s onto the line seems to have gone smoothly as well as going down very well with passengers (and staff)

Speaking as someone who uses the Coryton line every day, the improvement over the past six months has been little short of miraculous.

 

[AdamWW]

Speaking as someone who uses the Coryton line every day, the improvement over the past six months has been little short of miraculous.

It certainly has improved.

It seems to me though that the changes are largely due to policies on how trains entering the line late are dealt with rather than being directly due to the new trains.

 

[CapitalStar378]

It certainly has improved.

It seems to me though that the changes are largely due to policies on how trains entering the line late are dealt with rather than being directly due to the new trains.

Reliability is of course the most important factor, but travelling when I was home before Christmas it felt like a different world to previously. I could just tap in and out with my phone, the trains are quiet, big and comfortable and seemed to be a lot busier than I ever remember. Improvements like this have a big effect on usage. Add in a passing loop at Rhiwbina to increase the frequency and we have a great train service. Add some diffusers to the lighting and it's the dream

 

[Cardiff123]

This is being reported by local media today

https://www.broradio.fm/news/local/half-hourly-vale-trains-delayed-again/

Half-hourly Vale trains delayed again

A pledge to introduce extra rail services on the Vale of Glamorgan Line has been delayed again.

The Welsh Government has told Bro Radio News that plans to introduce twice-hourly trains at peak times between Cardiff and Bridgend will be introduced in 2027.

I rarely agree with Andrew RT Davies on anything, but in this case, he's correct.
Whilst the Valley lines now have brand new Flirts, and increased frequencies to Pontypridd & Caerphilly with more services in the evenings and weekends, the VoG line is stuck at 1tph, 2 car 150s. It's impossible to disagree the line has been de-prioritised by TfW.

 

[BillStampy]

This is being reported by local media today

https://www.broradio.fm/news/local/half-hourly-vale-trains-delayed-again/



I rarely agree with Andrew RT Davies on anything, but in this case, he's 100% correct.
Whilst the Valley lines now have brand new Flirts, and increased frequencies to Pontypridd & Caerphilly with more services in the evenings and weekends, the VoG line is stuck at 1tph, 2 car 150s. It's impossible to disagree the line has been de-prioritised by TfW.

From my knowledge (I know, I know), as far as the VoG is concerned they're held back by the other fleets. In an ideal world TfW would've introduced the 398s straight onto the TAM lines and the 150s could've been dumped on the VOG line in favour of 756s. Unfortunately, that has not been the case and we're stuck in a position of having to wait for the movement of stock to their correct lines. Until the mainline crews are trained on both Flirt classes (231 and 756) the VOG will see 150s and will almost certainly be the last to see the new improvements of the brand new fleet. It's a shame as whenever I see a VOG service towards Bridgend formed of a 2-Car 150, it's more often than not completely packed; further encouraging that 2tph it really needs. But then again, the 2tph part I don't have as much knowledge on so if anyone could shed some light onto it that would be great.

 

[Caaardiff]

This is being reported by local media today

https://www.broradio.fm/news/local/half-hourly-vale-trains-delayed-again/



I rarely agree with Andrew RT Davies on anything, but in this case, he's correct.
Whilst the Valley lines now have brand new Flirts, and increased frequencies to Pontypridd & Caerphilly with more services in the evenings and weekends, the VoG line is stuck at 1tph, 2 car 150s. It's impossible to disagree the line has been de-prioritised by TfW.

It's a strange one how they've allowed it to happen with so much growth and changes elsewhere. Surprised they can't find 2 150's to run a Cardiff - VOG - Bridgend semi fast service. Some VOG services are booked 4 car 150 currently.
Is the VOG line capable of handling 2tph or does any work need doing before hand? Bearing in mind that any works would need to be completed by NR, not TFW as it's not part of the Core Valleys Network.