The Welsh Government will set the criteria for the South Wales Metro trains acquisition as is is currently in the process of identifying the company which will run the metro, as well as the Wales and Borders rail franchise, from October 2018.
The infrastructure secretary Ken Skates announced that South Wales Metro trains must include the ability to work remotely and provide passenger information as well as space to store luggage and bicycles. They also must be accessible to disabled people and take account of increases in passenger numbers so no one will have to stand for more than 20 minutes at even the busiest times, he added.
“It is important that high quality rolling stock which meets passenger expectations is delivered as part of the next rail service contract,” Skates said.
The number of passengers using trains in Wales grew from 18 million in 2003 to 29 million ten years later, and is expected to increase by another 74 per cent by 2030.
Last month the Welsh Government named Abellio Rail Cymru, Arriva Rail Wales, KeolisAmey and MTR Corporate (Cymru) Ltd as preferred bidders for the services, which will be run by Transport for Wales.
The final tenders will be submitted next July, with the 15-year contract expected to be awarded at the start of 2018, to begin in October that year.
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