Transport for Wales has now electrified the railway lines from Aberdare to Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil to Abercynon. Over 60,000 metres of Overhead Line Equipment has been energised across the whole South Wales Metro rail network. New Citylink Class 398 tram-trains are testing on Metro routes and the £100 million Metro Depot at Taff’s Well is near completion. Karl Gilmore Rail … [Read more...]
Fijian fever match for South Wales Metro
With Rugby World Cup fever taking hold of the globe, Transport for Wales is pleased to welcome some of the Fijian community to Cardiff this Thursday for a rugby and recruitment event. Transport for Wales is in the process of building the South Wales Metro and has brought together businesses from their supply chain to offer potential employment opportunities for the Armed Forces Community. Any … [Read more...]
Tradelines 2 August
New electric tram trains that will revolutionise transport across the South Wales valleys were unveiled this week at their new £100 million depot at Taff’s Well. As part of the South Wales Metro project by Transport for Wales, they are capable of operating on both electric lines and battery power up to 62mph and carry 252 passengers. Commuter scooters led by Yamaha and Honda are the most … [Read more...]
EV chargers’ boost by Welsh Government
Welsh Government is topping up the vehicle charging network in Wales. The £15M funding confirmed by Deputy Climate Change Minister Lee Waters will be used to help local authorities increase the number of charging facilities ahead of fossil fuel vehicles being phased out in 2030. But it has already drawn criticism from opposition party who described it as inadequate to meet the real needs of ev … [Read more...]
South Wales Metro lines go live with warning
Trespassing on railway lines in South Wales is more dangerous now than ever, warned Transport for Wales and the British Transport Police. The risk death or serious injury for those who continue to trespass on the rail network has increased significantly with the introduction of ‘live’ Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) for the South Wales Metro carrying 25,000 volts – the equivalent of 100 times … [Read more...]
Changes to Wales and Borders train services
Rail passengers are being urged to plan ahead and check before they travel this Easter with some timetable amendments in place across the Wales and Borders network. Transport for Wales (TfW) will be carrying out infrastructure upgrades across the Core Valleys Lines network for the South Wales Metro, resulting in buses replacing rail services on some routes. Buses are replacing trains … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 September
If you’re planning to watch the Rugby World Cup games at a club or pub, beware the fact that drink drive accidents markedly increase between 1 and 4pm on a Sunday. Men are the main culprits, mostly younger drivers, says insurethebox.com . New trams on South Wales proposed £738M metro network will not have toilets, it has been learned. Transport for Wales says passengers would be able to use … [Read more...]
Metro plan risks hitting Brexit buffer
The South Wales Metro multi-million-pound project faces being derailed if the UK leaves the European Union without a deal, warn the Welsh Government. Economy Secretary Ken Skates said Welsh Government officials are seeking clarity on what happens to necessary land transfers being managed by UK Government as part of the process. South Wales Metro project will see a revitalised rail and bus … [Read more...]
Newslines 8 October
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford will today bring business leaders in Wales up to speed on the Metro service, before the franchise change in a week’s time. He will tell them Metro will deliver against a range of policy objectives by creating a network that will serve communities, accessible to all and operating seven days a week with fare cuts on some routes, more services and newer trains, … [Read more...]
Newslines extra 12 September
Wales Future Generations Commissioner Sophie Howe has questioned spending £1.4 Billion on the planned M4 relief road around Newport, including a new bridge over the Usk, remodelling the docks and building on grazing land. It will not cut congestion and is a "20th Century solution to a 21st Century problem”, said Ms Howe and suggested money would be better spent on rail and bus links, cycle … [Read more...]