Latest news with #Class756
Business News Wales
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
New Electric Trains Running Between Coryton, Caerphilly and Penarth
Brand new electric trains 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 £800 million investment in new trains, will join the fleet that are already in use on the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines. It takes 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, Ken Skates 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 Colin 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.'
Business News Wales
06-06-2025
- Business News Wales
Barry Rail Depot Restored in Transport Upgrade
Passenger train drivers are once again based in Barry for the first time since the 1990s after work was completed on the depot there. The move sees the number of people working at the depot rise to 58. Transport for Wales took over the rail depot there in 2022 and have been proceeding to develop it alongside partners in Network Rail. From the May timetable change on 18 May, 39 drivers will now be based there alongside depot colleagues, cleaners and train crew managers. Most of the Class 756 and Class 231 fleets will be stabled there to serve the lines between Rhymney and Barry Island, as well as the Treherbert, Merthyr and Aberdare lines (until the Class 398 fleet enter service). Heavy maintenance and fuelling will continue to take place at Canton Depot in Cardiff. Depot Manager Alun Davies said: 'This is transformational for people and the area and is testament to the hard work of so many to make it happen. 'It's incredible to have the drivers coming back here. 'When we took the depot on it required a major clean up operation. We took a really joined up approach to it, putting safety and sustainability at the forefront, as well as looking ahead and planning for the future.' As part of the work a safe walking route has been installed between Barry town railway station and the depot. A sustainable well-being garden has also been created for staff and visitors, which also helps to support biodiversity around the depot. Barry depot had been built in the 1890s as part of the developments of the docks and railway. However it closed as a driver depot in the 1980s as British Rail looked to reorganise ahead of privatisation in the early 1990s. EWS had drivers based there until 1999. Prior to TFW takeover, John Buxton, Director of Cambrian Transport, operated out of the site since 2009. The depot, garden and crossing were officially opened to drivers at a special event where MS Jane Hutt, Vale of Glamorgan Council Leader Lis Burnett and several other key local stakeholders were given a tour of the depot.
