British Rail Class 398

The Class 398 Citylink is a fleet of 36 tram-train multiple units being built for Transport for Wales Rail by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail.

The units will be equipped with traction battery packages, allowing them to operate over non-electrified sections of track in addition to those with overhead supplies.

History
The Wales & Borders rail franchise was awarded to KeolisAmey Wales in May 2018 and commenced on 14 October 2018. The franchise award included a requirement that the operator perform a full replacement of its fleets; as part of which process an order was placed with Stadler for delivery by 2023 of 36 tram-train units that would be capable of running on existing lines and also under battery power on the streets of Cardiff.

All units are three cars and are able to be coupled together to form a six car unit. Each three car unit has a maximum passenger capacity of 256, units will have level boarding, space for bikes, wheelchairs and pushchairs. All seats will have access to plug and USB-A style sockets.

The first unit to arrive in the UK was 398001, delivered from the Valencia works to the Rail Innovation & Development Centre in Melton, Leicestershire for testing on the Old Dalby Test Track.

The first unit was delivered to Taff's Well depot on 21 March 2023. Entry into service is expected in late 2024.

Transport for Wales
When built, Transport for Wales Rail Class 398 units will operate services on the Rhondda, Merthyr and Cardiff City lines, and the Cardiff Bay Branch.