Transport of Wales (TfW) has received the first Class 170 Turbostar train from UK-based train operating company Greater Anglia.
Unit 170207 arrived at the Canton depot on 1 September. The train consists of three cars with 186 seats.
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The remaining seven three-car trains, along with four two-car trains, are expected to soon arrive at the depot.
TfW Rolling Stock director Sara Holland said: “The Class 170s provide a more modern and reliable service with air conditioning and power sockets. These are comfortable trains that will significantly improve capacity and provide a high standard of on-board customer experience.
“This is an £800m programme that will transform the experience for our customers and colleagues alike; the average age of the fleet will drop from 25 years to seven years by 2024 and 95% of journeys will be made on a new fleet of 148 trains by 2023.”
The driver training programme is expected to commence on 16 September and the units will begin service on the Cheltenham to Maesteg line from December.
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By GlobalDataFollowing other formalities and clearances, TfW also plans to use the trains on the Ebbw Vale line and Heart of Wales.
TfW CEO James Price said: “It’s great that the first-class 170 train has arrived at our depot in Canton. This additional rolling stock will provide more capacity for our customers and help create more resilience throughout our network. The Class 170s will all be fitted with power sockets and air conditioning.”
In July, TfW commenced works to build a £100m rail depot to support South Wales Metro operations.
Located at Taff’s Well, the rail depot offers tram-train maintenance and stabling services. The site will accommodate and maintain new metro vehicles, which will enter services from 2022.
