King Charles opens South Wales Metro depot

The King was in the North Cardiff area today (Friday 14 November) to officially open the South Wales Metro depot in Taff's Well.

The £100 million depot provides over 400 jobs and will be the base for a fleet of 36 tram-trains from next year.

King Charles met staff at the depot and took a journey in the driver's cab on one of the new tram-trains, with children from three local schools and community representatives invited to join the celebrations.

The South Wales Metro, being delivered by Transport for Wales (TfW), has involved electrifying over 170km of railway, allowing for the introduction of electric trains on the South Wales Valley lines for the first time last year.

It aims to improve access to employment, leisure and health centres, boosting the economic potential of the South Wales Valleys.

Earlier this year, TfW promised improvements on the Coryton Line, after Rhiwbina, Whitchurch, and Birchgrove stations were listed among the worst performing in Britain.

It also said a Sunday service would return, and it would look into a possible increase in frequency, after the man behind the Metro concept described two trains per hour on the Coryton Line as a "woeful underprovision".

About today's ceremony, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "Improving transport across Wales is one of my top priorities – investing in high quality transport which is more reliable, more convenient and more enjoyable to use.

"Better services, brand-new trains and pay-as-you-go ticketing have transformed travel for passengers.

"The opening of the Taff's Well Depot marks a major milestone in our £1bn investment to upgrade the Core Valley Lines".

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said: "It's been a pleasure to host His Majesty, King Charles at Taff's Well today and for him to tour our South Wales Metro Depot.

"I'd especially like to thank the local community in Taff's Well for their support and patience throughout the major construction project and for helping us name it locally as 'The Walnut Tree Depot'."