Transport for Wales is another step closer to delivering the next phase of the South Wales Metro as it prepares to electrify the Coryton and lower Rhymney lines in the coming weeks.
As part of the Metro project, which will deliver 170km of electrified track, 116km is already completed and ‘live’. With the upcoming electrification of the Coryton and lower Rhymney lines (from Caerphilly to Cardiff Queen Street), the total will rise to 155km.
Electrifying these lines will enable TfW to introduce new tri-mode trains on the Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth routes, from Spring 2025.
As TfW continue to electrify more of the railway in South Wales, they’re urging the public to be aware of the safety risks, highlighted by TfW’s No Second Chances safety campaign. Trespassing on the railway is illegal, and doing so when the railway is electrified carries a higher risk of serious injury or death.
Plans have also been revealed for 30 new stations across South Wales to Severn Junction, the West Country and improved services to Cheltenham as part of the Western Gateway deal involving a number of train operators and other parties.
The project would serve about 248,000 people in the region with new halts, additional lines and more services for faster and more frequent services.