South Wales Metro Electrification Progress

[@Rail_Focus]

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[@stephendavies6949]

This is the clearest description of the project I've seen. It is truly transformational. Not even in the heyday of the GWR did the Valleys have 3 or 4 trains per hour to/from Cardiff. The use ofbi & tri modal trains is very innovative.

[@colinburton113]

Great video very informative, thanks for your time and hard work.

[@Rail_Focus]

Thank you, glad you found it informative 🙂

[@TravelSoGood]

I just want an increased frequency for the stations on the South Wales mainline between Cardiff and Bridgend and onwards to Maesteg. One train an hour isn't enough. It should be a minimum of two and hour but ideally more.

[@anthonypowell5665]

December Pencoed etc will get 2tph between Bridgend and Cardiff everyb2 hours eg hourly Maesteg to Ebbw Vale service and 2 hourly swanline although that runs hourly certain times of the day. Tfw originally last December did have swanline running hourly but have backtracked somewhat

[@Myrtone]

Would you like pulse scheduling anywhere? That is where low frequency services are timed to meet at an interchange.

[@kanzo.7488]

As a whole id say its quite decent. At least an improvement from before. Would be nice to see the Vale line electrified and the new stations built but id say right now its good.

[@TheMichaelWilcock2016Railways]

Do you mean all the way to Llantwit and Bridgend. There's no point when bi-mode stock will use it. High cost of catenery. The IEPs use it with overheads.

[@toast99bubbles]

In my opinion, one of the worst decisions made during the South Wales Metro changes since initially announced was the removal of Blackwood from the network. Now Blackwood is left with no easy access to the trains and a single bus every hour into Cardiff. It used to be two buses per hour (reduced due to Stagecoach and not TfW) plus one RailLinc service per hour to Ystrad Mynach Train Station. The original Metro plans were to keep the RailLinc service and to add another shuttle service between Blackwood and Pontypridd, but both of those have now been scrapped.

[@Rail_Focus]

That's disappointing. At the very least there should be a regular shuttle to the nearest station.

[@toast99bubbles]

@@Rail_Focus That's kinda what the hourly RailLinc service was.

[@juliansadler6263]

The 26 runs every 30 minutes weekdays until the evening.

[@toast99bubbles]

@@juliansadler6263 It doesn't. That's what it used to do until 2021. It's now hourly.

[@juliansadler6263]

@@toast99bubbles There are additional services to Caerphilly in that case as they leave Greyfriars Road every half hour. A whole swathe of South Wales lost the trains in 1962-64 and only Maesteg Llantwit and Ebbw Vale have them back again.

[@Maltloaflegrande]

Further to the west, we have the southern end of the woefully under-timetabled and thus under-used Heart of Wales line. I'm pretty confident that a few more trains a day would encourage more people to consider it as a transport option. Certainly a shuttle service up as far as Llandeilo and possibly even Llandovery would be popular. If there was a frequent service on that stretch with the full length of the line still provided for to a lesser extent, the line might be more relevant to more of us. A round Swansea-Llanelli-Pontarddulais and then back to Swansea on the northern goods loop via Pontlliw and Morriston service might also make a difference. Whenever a passenger service is reintroduced on goods lines or rebuilt routes, demand always seems to exceed expectations.

[@johnhaynes710]

There were plans for a circular service between neath and the ponty but these may have been lost thanks to brexit. Probably still an aspiration but with no match funding from Europe so may never happen.

[@Maltloaflegrande]

@@johnhaynes710 I remember getting a leaflet through the door about that and many other projects under the South Wales Metro banner. It's a question of the government prioritising rail over road. Not easy to be optimistic and that's coming from a Labour member.

[@LisbonRailProductionsandF1]

Magnificent catches of showing the new trains, see the interior and many more. I like it 5 stars. Thumbs up. Keep up the perfect work, my friend, I just liked and subscribed your channel, Greetings from Portugal to the UK.

[@StuffOffYouStuff]

another great update my man! I'm not even a train enthusiast but enjoy knowing what's going on

[@Rail_Focus]

Cheers, glad you found it informative 😁

[@MikeWillSee]

Brilliantly well put together, informative video. I learned a lot about a subject I thought I already knew a lot about!

[@Rail_Focus]

Thank you 😃. There's certainly a lot more to the project than I thought before I started doing the research.

[@anthonypowell5665]

Ebbw vale trains will run to Maesteg from December and Coryton branch is wored. 756007 has been testing on the line today

[@Sim0nTrains]

Nice informative video, cannot wait to see the upgrades complete on the Valley Lines.

[@Rail_Focus]

Thanks Simon. I wonder if the 756s will enter service at the end of October like people are saying.

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

Nice to see some of the electrification coming along very nicely. And with the Class 398 Tram-train to enter service from the end of this year or next year.

[@ukroadsandtransport]

Awesome video, I really love the branding but I may be biased cause I'm Welsh

[@Rail_Focus]

Thanks 🙂. I do like the branding, it's simple but looks good across the train fleet.

[@ukroadsandtransport]

@@Rail_Focus it really does

[@christopherlloyd-roberts2205]

I might be incorrect, but I am sure I heard 756s cannot be used on the Coryton Line due to clearance issues. I must admit I though that was an odd claim, but are you able to confirm if the 756s will be coming to Coryton Line (that'll be Amazing from my point of view as a user of that line). Also do you think it would make sense once this is completed for them to continue the electrification onto the Vale of Glamorgan/ Swanline, Maestaeg and Ebbw V lines. Maybe even onto Gloucester/ Cheltenham if there could be a Cross Border agreement?

[@post_human_luden]

good luck getting network rail to agree to that lol, would be brilliant but realistically unless the lines ownership get transferred over to TfW it would never happen which is why they also got class 231s to run along them where the 756s can't

[@Rail_Focus]

As far as I know Class 756s will be used on the Coryton line. They're definitely electrifying it, which wouldn't make any sense if the new trains weren't going to enter service. Electrifying the Glamorgan Line would be good, but that's down to Network Rail, so it's trying to convince Westminster to invest.

[@christopherlloyd-roberts2205]

@@Rail_Focus indeed, that's what I was thinking. I may have previously misheard that info. Indeed the Coryton Line I believe looks to be ready to go (The catenary, wires etc... are up for the whole line and have been for a month or so. I suspect they might still need to test it (if they are not already doing so)

[@StripeyNick]

​@@Rail_Focus A 756 was tested to Coryton earlier today as it happens.....believe it to be the first (it was a 3 car variant)

[@kanzo.7488]

@Rail_Focus why should it have to to be like that though? Not sure how exactly it works but couldn't ownership be transferred? Ot at least tfw pay for the electrification?

[@andrewbutler6477]

So good to see so much investment in the valleys rail network remember back in the 70s my late dad was a guard on the old 116 units the service was on its knees and came very close to closing remember the 150s brand new to canton depot they have given awesome service on the valleys

[@Vanmanyo]

Really informative video Chris - thanks for this!

[@Rail_Focus]

Glad you liked it 😅

[@robynrichards89]

Any news on the proposed extension of the Aberdare line to Hirwaun?

[@Rail_Focus]

I hadn't seen anything while I was researching this unfortunately.

[@BritishRail60062]

Nice project. Shame they didn't trial the Class 769's in electric mode as they perform better but Northern's units seem to be doing fine and Scotrail are now using the ex-GWR ones.

[@MrGreatplum]

This looks very positive for the valleys. Having had to use the great eastern main line recently, I am quite impressed with the “flirt” trains. I assume those tram trains won’t have toilets though - so much for accessibility! Merthyr to Cardiff currently takes about an hour :/

[@Rail_Focus]

The Flirt units do look great, as for the team-trains we'll have to wait and see, but people including train crews aren't impressed with the lack of toilets

[@juliansadler6263]

I only wish they wouldn't tell the Press electrification is complete between Cardiff and Pontypridd when it obviously isn't and calling it 'tram-train' when it obviously isn't.

[@Rail_Focus]

TfW told me it was finished. Is it just that it looks unfinished because of the non-wired sections?

[@juliansadler6263]

@@Rail_Focus Not just sections but very large gaps in the wiring. Long stretches of masts or gantries with no overhead yet eg through Maindy and towards Queen Street.

[@StripeyNick]

​@@juliansadler6263That section isn't getting wires

[@juliansadler6263]

@@StripeyNick Waste of time putting up the gantries then.

[@alexisdespland4939]

some rymanty abd croyton trains should go throught cardiff to the airport/ barry island/ penarth lines.

[@Rail_Focus]

I believe Coryton trains will continue to Barry Island and or Penarth. I couldn't figure out fully what the service will look like along the Vale of Glamorgan line.

[@randomguy-tg7ok]

Probably a bit of a dumb question, but if OHLE clearance is such an issue, why not use 3rd rails instead?

[@Rail_Focus]

The Office for Rail and Road isn't keen on 3rd rail due to safety concerns as such there are barriers in the way which makes it more difficult and costly. OLE is more efficient and hopefully when the budget allows sections can be filled in.

[@MasterTramsYouTube]

I'm not an expert, but I believe safety is the reason. Why it's unsafe outside of level crossings isn't entirely clear to me, but needless to say, there will probably never be any new extensive 3rd rail electrification outside the old Southern network.

[@johnhaynes710]

This is true but third rail seems to keep going in bad weather more the OLE. It just seems people aren’t expected to use their brains and read safety signs these days.

[@MasterTramsYouTube]

@@johnhaynes710 To be fair, given the number of incidents that have happened with OLE (how on earth do people even get up there?), I wouldn't trust the average human near OLE, never mind 3rd rail where it's obviously easier to access! Oh, also, if even half of this guy's (www.youtube.com/@TheCraigNotCreg) videos on working in retail are true, I wouldn't trust the average human with the most basic of tasks, never mind keeping themselves safe. Mind you, I'd hope the both of us are smarter than the average human.

[@darrenfitch]

would it not be cost effective to electrify routes and where constrictive bridges are have small break in OLE by running trains with two pantographs which surely would negate the break in OLE but allow the train to continue extracting energy from OLE??

[@Rail_Focus]

Some sections would be too long even for trains with 2 pantographs or running in multiple. Some PES sections are very short, but Caerphilly tunnel is an issue, plus Taff's Well to Cardiff Road and Cardiff Queens St. I'm sure they explored every option and using batteries provided best VfM

[@lawrencejob]

Those trains are pretty

[@RWL2012]

The infrastructure operator is just Amey now? Keolis pulled out?

[@Rail_Focus]

Not 100% sure to be honest, but it looks that way. No mention of Keolis anywhere

[@peterdawson2645]

Two remarks: Let's hope the tech and batteries work, and what about South West Wales? A good comment about the southern end of HoW already posted!

[@Rail_Focus]

Yes, let's hope the technology works. There's no reason it shouldn't, but battery bi-modes are still relatively new.

[@craigsutherland3410]

I see that it is STILL outwith the capabilities of the train manufacturers to get the seats to line up with the windows (see 8:36). Apparently they are going to try this bi-mode idea on the Fife Circle line into Edinburgh - Scotrail is the operator - what could possibly go wrong? This is the same Scotrail who, if they're not cancelling trains due to staff shortage/strikes, are sending out short formed trains, like a 35 year old two coach class 158 diesel from Fife into central Edinburgh during the morning peak, leaving passengers stranded on platforms at stations into the city. At least Cardiff is getting new trains - I think the people of Fife deserve a better service than this into one of the UK's biggest cities in 2024.

[@johnhaynes710]

This is not the manufacturers. More due to the required spec of the operators. I.e. more capacity means less opportunity to space seats correctly.

[@johng5474]

An interesting attempt at providing a solution to the problem railways have across Britain. Its all so old and small. But there is no money to replace bridges and re-lay roads and pways. This has resulted in governments being frightened away by the huge costs and nothing gets done. This way there should be improvements and in the future, if new technology allows and costs come down it can be extended. Getting rid of diesel should be the priority going forward - how its done is not the issue.

[@geoff1201]

Think how much the whole national network could have been upgraded if so much money hadn't been frittered away on HS2.

[@Rail_Focus]

Much of the national network is being upgraded whilst HS2 is being built. It's not a case of either or and despite Sunak's relocation of funds lie last year, cancelling HS2 doesn't mean money for other things, that's just not how public spending works.

[@29brendus]

It's nice to see improvements coming to this network, but unfortunately, it is half-baked. As an electrcial engineer I can't help feeling that the problem with batteries is only now being realised on a global level as a disasterous move which will most likely end in more cost than would have been necessary for a proper OLE of the whole network. OLE is well proven, batteries may be the fashion of the day, but are an ultimate disaster, not only in terms of construction, weight and maintenance, but are positively toxic and corrosive for all those who believe in the cult of 'environmentally friendly', which they definitely are not!

[@Rail_Focus]

Perfect is the enemy of good

[@johnsullivan8605]

No lavatories.. disgraceful penny pinching

[@Rail_Focus]

With the 398s it's not a case of penny pinching but space, best to think of them as trams. But I do agree it's a bad decision and the train crews aren't happy.

[@johnhaynes710]

@@Rail_Focus455 in london has journeys of similar times no toilets though. You just make sure you go before you board

[@DOCTORDROTT]

wonder how many people will be zapped ?

[@Rail_Focus]

Given that many bridges will have PES sections then the risk should be relatively low.

[@whophd]

Oops I came here looking for New South Wales Metro progress, sorry

[@Rail_Focus]

😅

[@jackthelad612]

Cardiff is the winner.

[@lloydbingham3516]

Probably more a case of the Valleys being a winner. Quicker and more reliable links should encourage companies to set up there rather than in Cardiff.

[@andrewhotston983]

Half-baked electrification scheme. Says so much about the future of rail in Britain.

[@randomscb-40charger78]

This is why Larry should've been PM. Yes, I unironically have more faith in the chief mouser than all other British politicians regardless of party.

[@Rail_Focus]

Not half baked, but compromises had to be made to deliver the best value for money.

[@andrewhotston983]

@@Rail_Focus We'll see how reliable the system is - my guess is that tri-mode trains have three times as many ways of breaking down.

[@docmarten8382]

Hello from north Wales….. no surprise money is being spent around Cardiff🤨 …… Here we have sky high rail fares, cancelled trains, over crowded, and unreliable new trains since TfW assumed responsibility from Arriva. Frankly train services have nose dived here…. So all is not well across the network….. and I am a staunch supporter of rail travel but sadly have to travel to England to experience a decent rail service.

[@Rail_Focus]

As someone who lives in England but whose town is served by TfW I share your frustration. "North Wales Metro" has failed to get off the ground. We're stuck with a 45 minute frequency for the foreseeable. But I don't begrudge the South Wales Metro. South East Wales accounts for a third of the population of Wales and does include deprived communities in need of investment.

[@lloydbingham3516]

'Around Cardiff' is home to 1 million people. Makes sense to work on the most densely populated region first.

[@elegantinfusions]

Remember TFW is owned by the Welsh Government, as far as I understand we will still only be getting 2 trains an hour from Aberdare. Aslo the no toilet bit si stupid, especially on international rugby days. again s scheme ill thought out by the cardiff bay, just like the M4 relief road.

[@Rail_Focus]

I'll have to check my notes, but I spoke to someone from TfW who said 4tph on all lines apart from Coryton. Lack of toilets isn't going down well with people, train crews aren't happy either

[@richardhooper7297]

Just hope TFW can pay the electricity bills as hundreds of miles of electrified lines from London to Scotland now have diesels back in charge while the newer electric locos sit in sidings as the cost of electricity is too high!

[@Rail_Focus]

The electric locos in question were older than the diesel ones which replaced them. Withdrawing energy hungry powerful locos is somewhat different to passenger trains.

[@richardhooper7297]

Some of the class 66s replacing electric locos are from 1998!

[@wharpblast264]

How long before we get a train cancelled due to a flat battery ?

[@Rail_Focus]

Considering the batteries have a range far in excess of the length of the non wired sections then it will be unlikely

[@wharpblast264]

@@Rail_Focus It may take unusual circumstances, but in my experience, anything that can happen will happen, just might need a lot of time.

[@MrLukealbanese]

They could of course, have electrified teh whole thing at 1500 Volts DC, like Tyne and Wear Metro and not had to raise any of the bridges........

[@Rail_Focus]

Given there are bridges which don't have enough clearance even for PES then I doubt that to be honest.

[@MrLukealbanese]

@@Rail_Focus PES? I was working at a major consultancy and we looked at it. There were no significant issues as I remember.

[@Rail_Focus]

@MrLukealbanese Permanent earthed sections. Sections with OLE but neutral contact wire.

[@MrLukealbanese]

@@Rail_Focus at 1500v or 750v the clearances are extremely small compared to 25kV. the whole idea of usinjg 25kV on teh valley lines and retainingthe heavy rail block signalling is ridiculous.

[@Rail_Focus]

@MrLukealbanese i appreciate that, but PES also allows small clearances and the contact wire to be set lower. But TfW/Amey say there are bridges which don't even have enough clearance for neutral sections.

[@connorclarke2134]

I’m not impressed with the metro so far. The service hasn’t improved, we’re still packed into trains like sardines when events are on in the city. I live behind a train station, and there is 6 trains an hour on that line, but only stops there twice an hour? I have to be dropped off my car to another station two stops up the line to get to my destination on time

[@Rail_Focus]

Hopefully things will start to improve soon

[@martinreed9565]

Long dead sections will let the thieves pinch the wire this is a bad bad thing. Electrician should be done and the money should be found. Great idea poorly thought out in my view.

[@caramelldansen2204]

It's not the 80's lol I doubt anyone would

[@Rail_Focus]

There aren't many ling PES sections. But I'd like to see thieves trying to steal contact wires 😅

[@himagainstill]

​@@Rail_Focus Given the effort involved, if they succeed I'd be inclined to let them keep it!