UK: Stadler Rail has been confirmed as preferred bidder to supply rolling stock for use on the South Wales Metro network serving Cardiff.
The Swiss company is to supply 36 three-car Citylink tram-train vehicles for use on services to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil. These would be able to operate under the planned 25 kV 50 Hz electrification as well as on battery power, to permit the use of discontinuous electrification. Battery power would also be used on a proposed street-running extension of the Cardiff Bay branch line to Flourish and potentially other proposed extensions in the Cardiff area.
Deliveries are due to begin in 2022 and are being undertaken as part of the 15-year Operations & Development Partner contract awarded by the Welsh government to KeolisAmey on June 4. The contract to operate passenger services throughout Wales runs until October 16 2033; KeolisAmey is scheduled to take over operations from incumbent Arriva Trains Wales on October 14.
Stadler will also supply 35 Flirt multiple-units for use on services elsewhere in Wales. Of these, 11 will be diesel multiple-units, and there will also be seven three-car and 17 four-car tri-mode units capable of running on diesel, 25 kV 50 Hz overhead electric and battery power. Unlike the metro-style Citylink units, they will be fitted with toilets.
