South Wales Metro: Electrifying Rail & Boosting Transport in Wales

Introduction

His Majesty King Charles officially opened the new South Wales Metro Depot at Taff’s Well, a GBP 100 million facility. The 5-hectare site will be the operational home of the South Wales Metro and support more than 400 jobs.

Taff’s Well Depot Opening

The new South Wales Metro Depot at Taff’s Well, a GBP 100 million facility, was officially opened by His Majesty King Charles. The depot encompasses a 5-hectare area and includes a purpose-built train depot, stabling for 36 tram-trains, and the South Wales Metro Integrated Control Centre.

South Wales Metro Infrastructure Program

The opening represents a key milestone in Transport for Wales’ (TfW) ongoing Metro project, one of the largest infrastructure programs in the country. The initiative includes the electrification of over 170 km of track across the Core Valley Lines. Electric trains began operating on the network last year, with the first of the new tram-trains scheduled to enter service in 2026.

Project Goals and Community Impact

The South Wales Metro, also known as the “Welsh Tube,” aims to enhance access to employment, education, healthcare, and leisure across Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys. The project is designed to connect some of Europe’s most deprived communities with improved public transport. The locally adopted name for the depot is “The Walnut Tree Depot.”

Statements and Key Participants

During the visit, King Charles met with TfW staff and rode in the driver’s cab of one of the new tram-trains. Children from three local schools and community representatives were also present. Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan highlighted the investment in high-quality transport. James Price, CEO of Transport for Wales, thanked the TfW teams, construction partners, and the local community. Transport for Wales Chair Vernon Everitt emphasized the transformative impact of the South Wales Metro on the region’s transport and its role in sustainable economic growth.

Conclusion

The opening of the GBP 100 million South Wales Metro Depot at Taff’s Well marks a significant step in the South Wales Metro project. The project includes electrification of over 170 km of track across the Core Valley Lines and aims to improve public transport in the region.

Transport for Wales (TfW)

Transport for Wales (TfW) is a company responsible for delivering the South Wales Metro project, which involves modernizing and expanding the public transport network in South Wales. The company’s initiatives include electrifying rail lines, introducing new tram-trains, and upgrading infrastructure to improve connectivity and accessibility.