South Wales - 7th March 2026

​

Transport for Wales (TfW) is currently spearheading a multi-billion pound overhaul that is fundamentally reshaping the nation's rail identity. This transformation focuses on replacing aging diesel fleets with new rolling stock, electrifying valley lines routes, and building a fully integrated "turn-up-and-go" metro system. Transport for Wales was established in 2016 to plan the new network, the physical "transformational works" on the railway infrastructure officially in August 2002.  This marked the beginning of an intensive period of engineering to prepare the Core Valley Lines for electrification and modern services .Investment totalling over £1 Billon has already begun to deliver a significantly improved passenger experience. An £800 million investment is introducing 148 brand-new trains, including the Stadler FLIRT (Class 231 and 756) and CAF Civity (Class 197) models. New trains feature air conditioning, power sockets, improved passenger information screens, and dedicated areas for bicycles and wheelchairs. Over 170km of track is being electrified, with 100% of the Core Valley Lines. The next major leap in the transformation is the introduction of Class 398 'Tram-trains'. These unique vehicles can operate on traditional heavy rail lines and navigate on-street tram tracks, allowing them to run directly into city centers. Future phases of the South Wales Metro and projects like the Cardiff Crossrail aim to extend this tram-train capability further into Cardiff, connecting areas like Cardiff Bay and Newport Road with frequent, high-capacity services. This city-integrated network is designed to reduce car dependency and provide a seamless, multi-modal travel experience for the entire region.
I visited South Wales on the 7th March 2026 using tickets purchased during the January 'Rail Sale' at reduced prices. The transformation from my last visit was incredible with a notable upgrade in passenger services, and new rolling stock in operation. 

---

Transport for Wales Stadler Flirt No.756004 arrives into Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026. The unit was arriving empty as 5C18 10:11 Cardiff Central Siding to Cardiff Central in order to form 2C18 10:18 Cardiff Central - Coryton.

Transport for Wales, Stadler Flirt No.231010 arrives at Bargoed on the 7th March 2026 while operating 2Y40 11:10 Rhymney - Barry Island service.

Transport for Wales Class 150 No.150267 is pictured at Bargoed on the 7th March 2025 taking its booked stop while operating 2R16 09:40 Bridgend - Rhymeny service, passing the new order of No.231010 heading south as 2Y40 11:10 Rhymney - Barry Island.

Transport for Wales Class 150/2 No.150282 arrives at Bargoed on the 7th March 2026 while operating 2D20 10:19 Barry Island - Bargoed.

Transport For Wales Class 150/2 No.150282 is pictured at Bargoed on the 7th March 2025. The unit later departed for Barry Island.

Passegners wait at Bargoed as Transport for Wales Class 150/2 No.1502678 arrives on the 7th March 2026 while operating 2Y42 11:43 Rhymney - Barry Island.

Transport for Wales Stalder 'Flirt' No.231005 'Gavin and Stacey' is pictured at Bargoed on the 7th March 2026, arriving with 2R18 10:35 Barry Island - Rhymney.

Transport for Wales Stalder 'Flirt' No.231005 'Gavin and Stacey' is pictured at Bargoed on the 7th March 2026, arriving with 2R18 10:35 Barry Island - Rhymney.

Transport for Wales 'Flirt' No.231008 arrives into Bargoed on the 7th March 2025. The Stadler-built unit was operating a Barry Island - Bargoed service to form 2Y44 12:11 Bargoed - Barry Island.

Interior of a Transport for Wales Class 231

Interior Engine Room Walkway between coaches on a Class 231 Transport for Wales Stadler 'Flirt.

Transport for Wales Class 67 No.67012 pushes east out of Cardiff Central with DVT No.82226 leading on Saturday, 7th March 2026. The loco was operating 1W61 14:53 Cardiff Central - Manchester Piccadilly service.

Transport for Wales Class 231 Stadler-build No.231010 is pictured at Cardiff Central while operating 2Y56 14:11 Bargoed – Barry Island.

Transport For Wales Class 153 units, No.153531 No.153303 are pictured at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026, while operating 2G66 15:10 Cardiff Central – Cheltenham Spa.

DB Cargo Class 66 No.66651 passes east through Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026 while operating 6H27 13:18 Margam - Llanwern loaded steel.

Transport For Wales Class 197 No.197111 is pictured at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026 while operating 2L32 14:07 Ebbw Vale Town - Maesteg.

Transport for Wales Stadler Flirt No.756004 arrives at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026 while operating 2C38 15:05 Penarth - Coryton

A Vintage Trains charter 'The Welsh Chieftain' arrives in Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026 with No.37240 and No.37418 operating as 1Z37 08:01 Birmingham NS – Cardiff Central.

GWR Class 800 No.800014 'Megan Lloyd George' and partner No.800013 are pictured at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 20265, ready to depart with 1L24 13:30 Carmarthen - London Paddington

A pair of GWR Class 158s No.158766 and No.158769 are pictured at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026. The pair were operating 1F23 15:30 Cardiff Central - Portsmouth Harbour.

Transport For Wales DVT Class 82200 arrives at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2025 with No.67025 at the rear. The set was operating 1V42 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff Central.

Transport For Wales DVT Class 67 No.67025 is pictured at Cardiff Central with No.82200 on the 7th March 2025. The set was operating 1V42 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff Central.

DB Cargo Class 66 No.66653 arrives into Cardiff Central Station on the 7th March 2026, operating 6V75 09:33 Dee Marsh - Margam steel empties.

Waring the new Cross Country livery No.170101 is pictured at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026. The unit was operating 170101 1M75 16:45 Cardiff - Nottingham, which was full and standing with Nottingham Forrest supporters returning from a match with Cardiff City.

Transport for Wales Class 67 No.67025 arrives at Cardiff Central on the 7th March 2026 to form the 1W63 16:53 Cardiff Central – Manchester Piccadilly service.