The South Wales Metro reached a major milestone today as King Charles officially opened the new £100 million depot at Taff’s Well — a site set to become the operational heart of one of Wales’ most ambitious transport projects.

The purpose-built facility will house and maintain a fleet of 36 tram-trains, forming a crucial part of a wider programme that is transforming rail travel across the South Wales Valleys. More than 400 staff will ultimately be based at the 5-hectare complex, which also includes an Integrated Control Centre and stabling for the new fleet.

Transport for Wales (TfW) is in the final phases of upgrading the network, including the electrification of 170km of track — work that has already allowed electric trains to run on the Valley Lines for the first time. The Metro, which has earned the nickname ‘the Welsh Tube’, is designed to better link some of Europe’s most deprived communities with Cardiff and other key locations, improving access to jobs, education, healthcare and leisure.

During his visit, the King met staff involved in the project and rode in the driver’s cab of one of the new tram-trains. Children from three local schools and community representatives joined the event, marking the formal completion and opening of the Taff’s Well site — locally named ‘The Walnut Tree Depot’.

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. We are already seeing the significant benefits of our investment in the South Wales Metro. Better services, brand-new trains and Pay-As-You-go ticketing have transformed travel for passengers. The opening of the Taffs Well Depot marks a major milestone in our £1bn investment to upgrade the Core Valley Lines. It’s part of the behind-the-scenes but essential infrastructure which will make a big difference to people in their daily lives, whether making it easier to go to work or training, or exploring the country on our fantastic rail network.”

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, added:

“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. With electrified railways, brand-new trains and a state-of-the-art depot, the South Wales Metro is transforming the way people travel in the region, and most importantly connecting people and communities to opportunities. We’re in the final stages of electrifying 170 km of track and have already introduced our first electric trains onto the network, alongside pay as you go ticketing for our customers. We’re excited to start introducing the brand-new tram-trains next year, as we continue to transform travel and attract people to use public transport. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our team and construction partners for their hard work to deliver the new 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’.”

TfW Chair Vernon Everitt said the depot represents far more than a new maintenance site:

"The South Wales Metro is transforming transport in the region and the opening of this depot signifies the beginning of a new chapter in Welsh public transport. Transport is an essential enabler of sustainable economic growth, higher productivity and access to homes, jobs, education, better health and opportunity for everyone. At its heart, transport is about tackling inequality in all its forms and the South Wales Metro will improve the lives of those living in the valleys and help provide a better future for generations to come. This one-hundred-million-pound facility that we open today, is, therefore, so much more than bricks, mortar and steel tracks. It is a cornerstone for better lives in South Wales and a catalyst for regeneration. Transport for Wales is delivering change and improvements in public transport across the whole of Wales and into the borders and our vision is to create one integrated network, bringing together rail, bus and active travel routes."

The first tram-trains are expected to enter service next year, marking the next chapter in what TfW describes as a long-term effort to reshape public transport for communities across the region.

Image: Transport for Wales