Stadler Rail has secured a contract from railway franchise Wales and Borders to supply South Wales Metro with 71 trains.
The contract involves the supply of 36 three-car CITYLINK tram-trains and 35 FLIRT trains, which are expected to come into service from 2022.
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Stadler Rail sales director Ralf Warwel said: “Stadler is very proud to have been chosen to supply this unique and innovative fleet of rolling stock for the Wales and Borders franchise.
“The introduction of new rolling stock in South Wales will be appreciated by passengers not only because of the high levels of comfort but also thanks to the use of the latest battery power technology.
“This new technology, when rolled out nationwide, will bring the industry one step closer to being carbon neutral.”
Capable of operating on 25kV electric power and battery power, the 36 CITYLINK three-car tram-trains will run from Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil.
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By GlobalDataThe 35 FLIRT vehicles will include 11 diesel-operated units and 24 tri-mode trains that can operate on diesel, overhead electric wires and battery power.
The diesel units will be used for services between Maesteg, Ebbw Vale and Cheltenham, while 24 tri-mode trains will operate on the routes connecting the Vale of Glamorgan and stations north of Cardiff.
Overall, the tri-mode fleet, which is expected to start services from 2023, will comprise seven three-car and 17 four-car trains.
Using batteries to power the trains is expected to reduce infrastructure modification costs, as well as offer environmentally friendly services to the passengers.
All the new Stadler trains are equipped with longer and more seats and are ergonomically designed to optimise passenger comfort.
Provided with air-conditioning, the trains will also feature power sockets at each seat, wide passenger information screens and additional space to store luggage.
