TfW class 398 Stadler Citylink tram trains

[Snow1964]

Seems to be a Media event for 398 tram-trains on Thursday, although details are embargoed. This webpage is published by Welsh Government

On Thursday 5 February, the First Minister Eluned Morgan, will visit the Transport for Wales depot in Taffs Well to be shown around the tram-trains, meet drivers and apprentices, and enjoy a test ride as the vehicles enter their final test phase.

The new Class 398 Tram-Trains are set to revolutionise transport in south Wales as they have the unique ability to run on both rail and tram lines which will help offer more frequent and faster journeys when they are introduced on some of the Core Valleys Lines this spring.

Date: Thursday 5 February 2026

Time: 11:00 - 12:15 (please arrive by 10:40 to have time to get kitted out in PPE).

Location: Transport for Wales depot, Garth Works, 24 Garth Works, Taffs Well, Cardiff CF15 7RN, UK

Embargo: The content will remain under embargo until after the event.

Please confirm your attendance, providing sizes of PPE required, by emailing the NorthWalesTransport mailbox by 12:00hrs on Tuesday 3 February.

First Minister to experience revolutionary Tram-Trains ahead of deployment across south Wales | Welsh Government News

Diary Marker: Not for publication, broadcast or use on social media

media.service.gov.wales

 

[CarrotPie]

Seems to be a Media event for 398 tram-trains on Thursday, although details are embargoed. This webpage is published by Welsh Government

First Minister to experience revolutionary Tram-Trains ahead of deployment across south Wales | Welsh Government News

Diary Marker: Not for publication, broadcast or use on social media

media.service.gov.wales

Great, I better send them an email!

/s

 

[VR494]

Seems to be a Media event for 398 tram-trains on Thursday, although details are embargoed. This webpage is published by Welsh Government

First Minister to experience revolutionary Tram-Trains ahead of deployment across south Wales | Welsh Government News

Diary Marker: Not for publication, broadcast or use on social media

media.service.gov.wales

This is without doubt another publicity stunt for the Welsh labour party to gather votes, meanwhile behind the scenes it's a daily challenge to stop the deckchairs going down with the ship with these things.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Seems to be a Media event for 398 tram-trains on Thursday, although details are embargoed. This webpage is published by Welsh Government

First Minister to experience revolutionary Tram-Trains ahead of deployment across south Wales | Welsh Government News

Diary Marker: Not for publication, broadcast or use on social media

media.service.gov.wales

That link returns error 404 (file not found) now.

 

[CapitalStar378]

This is without doubt another publicity stunt for the Welsh labour party to gather votes, meanwhile behind the scenes it's a daily challenge to stop the deckchairs going down with the ship with these things.

I don't have an issue with the First Minister getting some press out of it, we wouldn't have it at all if it has been left to other parts of the UK government.

 

[VR494]

I don't have an issue with the First Minister getting some press out of it, we wouldn't have it at all if it has been left to other parts of the UK government.

Colleagues are getting tired now though. Endless visits by councilors, statements about timelines that aren't achieveable, not to mention that during King Charles visit they had staff from other areas of the business that had no relevence to the depot, just make a picture tick a few boxes. These things may have looked good in the world of an excel spread sheet, but in reality they're not working. Daily the test runs are being cancelled due to the units failing. If they want press, they'll have it soon when their project is exposed as a failure and money pit of tax payers money. Applogies for being neagtive, but you can't put square pegs in round holes, and the capital being wasted is beyond a joke now.

 

[802020]

With yesterdays Old Dalby - Kings Norton cancelled and rescheduled for today (on the move as we speak), will today’s Kings Norton - Pengam (was due to leave 10am) be rescheduled for another day or will it run on today’s path late?

 

[crosscity]

With yesterdays Old Dalby - Kings Norton cancelled and rescheduled for today (on the move as we speak), will today’s Kings Norton - Pengam (was due to leave 10am) be rescheduled for another day or will it run on today’s path late?

Neither! I believe the HST's came back to Kings Norton empty-handed.

 

[802020]

Neither! I believe the HST's came back to Kings Norton empty-handed.

Oh no! thanks mate

 

[VR494]

Update:

Testing of these little devices continues.

Over the coming weeks units will start to be stabled in Treherbert sidings as well as Taffs Well depot. I’ve been told it will be around 4 units initially.

Testing of the stabling and charge system has already been undertaken at Treherbert sidings, and with the addition of units to Taffs well, storage capacity is now becoming an issue.

 

[Avowedsevern]

Seems to be a Media event for 398 tram-trains on Thursday, although details are embargoed. This webpage is published by Welsh Government

First Minister to experience revolutionary Tram-Trains ahead of deployment across south Wales | Welsh Government News

Diary Marker: Not for publication, broadcast or use on social media

media.service.gov.wales

The new Class 398 Tram-Trains are set to revolutionise transport in south Wales as they have the unique ability to run on both rail and tram lines which will help offer more frequent and faster journeys when they are introduced on some of the Core Valleys Lines this spring.

Why are they still claiming this? Why would the fact that the 398 can run on rail and tram lines help offer more frequent and faster journeys for the Core Valleys Lines?

 

[AdamWW]

The new Class 398 Tram-Trains are set to revolutionise transport in south Wales as they have the unique ability to run on both rail and tram lines which will help offer more frequent and faster journeys when they are introduced on some of the Core Valleys Lines this spring.

Why are they still claiming this? Why would the fact that the 398 can run on rail and tram lines help offer more frequent and faster journeys for the Core Valleys Lines?

I'm not sure that "unique" is entirely appropriate either.

 

[Snow1964]

Testing of the stabling and charge system has already been undertaken at Treherbert sidings, and with the addition of units to Taffs well, storage capacity is now becoming an issue.

They are not expected to be out in middle of the night, and thus need to be in depots and sidings.

So why would storage be an issue now, or will it be an issue out of traffic hours every night. It's not like short term Taff Wells has existing trains too.

 

[WelshBluebird]

They are not expected to be out in middle of the night, and thus need to be in depots and sidings.

So why would storage be an issue now, or will it be an issue out of traffic hours every night. It's not like short term Taff Wells has existing trains too.

Is it possible some siding space they will eventually use when in service is currently used for the class 756s when they arent running a service?

 

[Daniel Boone]

Based on what I've seen on RTT, one 756 is stored there overnight.

 

[AdamWW]

They are not expected to be out in middle of the night, and thus need to be in depots and sidings.

So why would storage be an issue now, or will it be an issue out of traffic hours every night. It's not like short term Taff Wells has existing trains too.

Is it not just the case that Taffs Well wasn't designed to hold the entire fleet, because some are expected to be stabled elsewhere overnight?

 

[John R]

Is it not just the case that Taffs Well wasn't designed to hold the entire fleet, because some are expected to be stabled elsewhere overnight?

That was my understanding. And given Treherbert has been a stabling point for many years, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the arrangement is being continued.

 

[Cardiff123]

Seems to be a Media event for 398 tram-trains on Thursday, although details are embargoed. This webpage is published by Welsh Government

First Minister to experience revolutionary Tram-Trains ahead of deployment across south Wales | Welsh Government News

Diary Marker: Not for publication, broadcast or use on social media

media.service.gov.wales

Either this event didn't go ahead, is still embargoed, or wasn't deemed newsworthy enough to be reported by any Welsh media outlet today. Not even TfW themselves are reporting about it on their news pages.

Transport For Wales News - Media centre

News from Transport For Wales

news.tfw.wales

Here's a lengthy article from Modern Railways from last November, on the introduction of the 398s.

Establishing a secure connection ...

 

[VR494]

That was my understanding. And given Treherbert has been a stabling point for many years, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the arrangement is being continued.

Currently there are a number of 756’s that stable here overnight, 5 units in total.

Due to the delay, nearly all the 398’s are here now, but Taffs well is at capacity.

Treherbert will be an official stabbing point for them so it’s time for them to start being stored here too. It will be 4 units to start, however the plan is for 13 daily once they are introduced. When this happens the 756’s will be stored at Rhymney.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Feb 2026 ==

Either this event didn't go ahead, is still embargoed, or wasn't deemed newsworthy enough to be reported by any Welsh media outlet today. Not even TfW themselves are reporting about it on their news pages.

Transport For Wales News - Media centre

News from Transport For Wales

news.tfw.wales

Here's a lengthy article from Modern Railways from last November, on the introduction of the 398s.

Establishing a secure connection ...

Jokes aside, but I don’t believe it did either.

A 6 car has been out yesterday, but as for the reset, cancelled due to more trams than usual needing repairs at the same time

 

[Envoy]

ITV Wales news insert on GMTV this morning showed Eluned in a 398 at Taff's Well saying they will start running this spring.

Also in the press - that is not behind a paywall:> https://www.wales247.co.uk/first-look-as-new-800m-tram-train-fleet-prepares-for-service

Speaking at a visit to the Taffs Well depot, where the new tram-trains will be housed, First Minister, Eluned Morgan said:

“Improving transport across Wales is one of my top priorities – investing in high quality transport, which is more reliable, more convenient and more enjoyable to use.

 

[jah_147]

ITV Wales news insert on GMTV this morning showed Eluned in a 398 at Taff's Well saying they will start running this spring.

Also in the press - that is not behind a paywall:> https://www.wales247.co.uk/first-look-as-new-800m-tram-train-fleet-prepares-for-service

Thanks for sharing. I wonder if @VR494 has any comments on these being ready for spring?! From keeping up to date on your posts and updates, spring seems a tad ambitious?

 

[Cardiff123]

Thanks for sharing. I wonder if @VR494 has any comments on these being ready for spring?! From keeping up to date on your posts and updates, spring seems a tad ambitious?

"Spring" ends on 31 May and "some" of the CVL could just mean Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay. So if only 2 x 398s are in service on Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay by 31 May, that presumably counts as fulfilling this criteria

 

[chrisjo]

There's a jolly little video on Cymru Fyw this morning:

Berlin? Tokyo? Na, dyma fetro newydd de Cymru

Mae Cymru Fyw wedi cael y cyfle i fynd tu ôl i'r llen ar drenau-tram newydd Metro De Cymru.

www.bbc.co.uk

Berlin? Tokyo? No, this is the new South Wales metro. Cymru Fyw goes behind the scenes with South Wales Metro's new tram trains. Here's our reporter Bethan Bushell taking us around Taffs Well depot to see one of the 36 trains that are part of an 800m investment by the Welsh Government. The trains will run on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines to Cardiff. The trains are now in their final testing phase before starting service on some of the Valleys lines this spring.

 

[Caaardiff]

"Spring" ends on 31 May and "some" of the CVL could just mean Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay. So if only 2 x 398s are in service on Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay by 31 May, that presumably counts as fulfilling this criteria

That is the current plan.

 

[VR494]

That is the current plan.

In reality still failing test runs daily and driver training program is nonexistent.

I read the attached and it’s again far from reality. They’ve been in the final stages of testing now for ages. What is happening however is the Welsh government are watering down the tests, especially the hours required to get them out.

If they do get one out it won’t last long before it breaks down, that’s for sure

 

[Daniel Boone]

In reality still failing test runs daily and driver training program is nonexistent.

I read the attached and it’s again far from reality. They’ve been in the final stages of testing now for ages. What is happening however is the Welsh government are watering down the tests, especially the hours required to get them out.

If they do get one out it won’t last long before it breaks down, that’s for sure

Were there any issues with 3Q10 today?

 

[VR494]

Were there any issues with 3Q10 today?

TW152 diagram has run this morning, however TW151 has not. TW152 is due back out this afternoon, if it runs again only time will tell.

 

[tfw756rider]

There's a jolly little video on Cymru Fyw this morning:

Berlin? Tokyo? Na, dyma fetro newydd de Cymru

Mae Cymru Fyw wedi cael y cyfle i fynd tu ôl i'r llen ar drenau-tram newydd Metro De Cymru.

www.bbc.co.uk

Berlin? Tokyo? No, this is the new South Wales metro. Cymru Fyw goes behind the scenes with South Wales Metro's new tram trains. Here's our reporter Bethan Bushell taking us around Taffs Well depot to see one of the 36 trains that are part of an 800m investment by the Welsh Government. The trains will run on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines to Cardiff. The trains are now in their final testing phase before starting service on some of the Valleys lines this spring.

What Bethan says in the video itself:

No, we're not in Berlin or Tokyo. This is the new south Wales metro! We are here in Fynnon Taf (Taff's Well) to get a glimpse behind the curtain of the new tram trains, which are Class 398. 36 of these trains - which are part of an investment worth £800 million by the Welsh Government - will run on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines to Cardiff. So what's different? These electric trains will be faster and therefore can go more often (run more frequently). In future, the trains will also be able to travel from the existing railways to new lines along the streets. There is room for bikes and wheelchairs, air conditioning and new information screens. Have you noticed that something is missing? Yes - there are no toilets on this train. So if you need to go in a hurry, you will have to leave this train and catch the next one.

 

[Envoy]

ITV Wales News at 6pm (Friday 6 February 2026) did a report on the introduction of the Tram-Trains. Nothing on BBC Wales News as they are too pre-occupied with rugby - as usual.

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/long-awaited-new-tram-trains-set-to-go-into-operation-in-south-wales-valleys-this-spring/rmq534t

Long-awaited new tram-trains set to go into operation in South Wales Valleys this spring​

 

[tfw756rider]

ITV Wales News at 6pm (Friday 6 February 2026) did a report on the introduction of the Tram-Trains. Nothing on BBC Wales News as they are too pre-occupied with rugby - as usual.

https://www.itv.com/watch/news/long-awaited-new-tram-trains-set-to-go-into-operation-in-south-wales-valleys-this-spring/rmq534t

Long-awaited new tram-trains set to go into operation in South Wales Valleys this spring​

Fri 6/2/26 10:03 • They're a key part of the South Wales Metro, and delays to their introduction have been defended.

Mike Griffiths, reporting: The First Minister is used to the levers of power, but in the train cab, it's the driver who's in charge. Not that Eluned Morgan seemed to mind - she was visiting Transport for Wales's depot, to confirm the start date for these new tram-trains - a key, and much-delayed, part of the South Wales Metro.

Eluned Morgan MS, First Minister: "The real benefit of this is that it will allow far more frequent rail services from the heads of the valleys - four-an-hour - that is the major change that these trains will allow and really transform the opportunities for people in the valleys to get to Cardiff, to get back, to really get employment opportunities in those areas."

Mike Griffiths: And the target of four trains an hour to the heads of the valleys - to Aberdare, to Treherbert, to Merthyr - again, there's no fixed target for that to happen?

Eluned Morgan MS: "Look, if it hadn't been for the Welsh Labour Government's commitment to this, not over five years but over a very prolonged period... this is the benefit of having the same government in place over a prolonged period, is you stick to the goal.

Mike Griffiths: Once she became first minister, Eluned Morgan made delivery a big part of her pitch. They want the Metro - and what's already been introduced - to be seen as one of those successes, pointing to the new trains already running, and those still to come, but there are still big questions over delays to the project, and what's coming next (section about UK Government and Welsh political parties' views not transcribed). Back at the depot, testing and training on the tram-trains continues.

James Price, TfW CEO: "The track, the signalling, the overhead electrification - all of that is ready, all that we need to do is bring these (398s) into service, then allow the crew to get used to them - they need to be able to operate these trains at a faster pace than the old ones. In the interim, we have done things like introduce additional night services, so we're running trains far later than we used to." (section about UK Government not transcribed).