We will deliver on the Welsh Government’s policy by decarbonising our transport networks and improving air quality of the communities they serve

We'll deliver on the Welsh Government’s policy by decarbonising our transport networks and improving air quality of the communities they serve. As part of this commitment, new and cascaded rolling stock will be progressively introduced over the next few years and will be much more environmentally friendly than the existing fleet. 

Later this year we will be introducing the first hybrid trains in the UK, the class 230 trains on the Wrexham to Bidston service. These combine the use of modern batteries with lightweight diesel engines which comply with latest European emission standards.

From 2022 onwards electrification will see bi-mode and tri-mode trains introduced on the Core Valleys Lines where they will operate entirely from overhead electric power supplemented by batteries. These electric trains will be far more efficient than the diesel trains they will replace and the electrification will be powered by 100% renewable energy, with at least 50% sourced in Wales, meaning services on the Core Valleys Lines will be entirely emission free.

Whilst diesel operated trains will continue to operate on many other routes, most services will be operated by a brand-new fleet of trains, many of which will be assembled in Wales. These will feature diesel engines that comply with the latest European standards and will provide significantly reduced emissions of particulates, NOx and CO2.