Brand-New Electric Trains Begin Daily Service on Coryton and Penarth Lines
Brand-New Electric Trains Begin Daily Service on Coryton and Penarth Lines
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Rail passengers in Cardiff are now travelling on a new generation of trains as Transport for Wales (TfW) rolls out its Class 756 electric fleet across the capital’s suburban lines.
From Saturday 27 September, a total of 24 of the state-of-the-art trains entered daily service on the Coryton, Penarth, Treherbert, Aberdare, and Merthyr lines. The move marks the completion of the full Class 756 rollout across the South Wales valleys, a project delivered as part of the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment in new trains.
The introduction of the new fleet is designed to transform journeys for thousands of commuters and leisure travellers alike. Key benefits include increased capacity, faster and more frequent services, and a significant step up in comfort and accessibility, with level boarding making the trains easier to use for wheelchair users, parents with prams, and those with reduced mobility.
Speaking at Coryton station, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, described the launch as a landmark moment in the long-term vision for the South Wales Metro.
“We are working hard to deliver better transport for people across Wales, so I am delighted that the full rollout of the brand-new 756 electric trains is now complete.
“This marks another significant milestone on our mission to upgrade all the Core Valley Lines and deliver a turn-up-and go metro service.
“And with Pay As You Go available in over 90 stations, more people will now be able to travel for cheaper and benefit from the service these state-of-the art trains provide.”
The Class 756s, manufactured by Swiss company Stadler, are part of a wider fleet renewal by TfW, aimed at modernising an ageing network and improving reliability. The investment also underpins Welsh Government ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and encourage more people to switch from cars to public transport.
Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at TfW, said the new trains would deliver a noticeable step up in passenger experience.
“We’re excited to now have brand-new electric trains running on the Coryton line and improving the customer experience for all those who travel with us.
“These modern trains offer more capacity, improved seating, modern air conditioning, power sockets, Wifi and passenger information screens with up-to-the-minute travel information. They’ll also feature automatic level boarding and space for up to six bikes.”
The rollout of the Class 756 fleet has been closely watched, with commuters frequently voicing concerns about delays and service disruption during the transition to new infrastructure. TfW says the move to electric rolling stock represents a turning point, helping deliver a more punctual, frequent, and environmentally friendly service.
The £800 million investment forms part of a broader multi-billion-pound programme to deliver the South Wales Metro, a project designed to integrate rail, bus, and active travel routes into a cohesive system. Once complete, the Metro aims to support economic growth across the Cardiff Capital Region, reduce congestion, and provide more sustainable travel options for communities in the valleys and beyond.
For passengers on the Coryton and Penarth lines, the immediate benefit will be quieter, faster and more reliable journeys, backed up by modern on-board amenities more commonly associated with intercity travel. TfW says the new trains will help attract more passengers back to rail, particularly at a time when the sector is under pressure to recover post-pandemic ridership levels.
With the Class 756 rollout now complete, attention will turn to further phases of the South Wales Metro programme, including infrastructure upgrades and electrification works designed to enable higher service frequencies across the valley lines.
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