Local Transport Today is the authoritative, independent journal for transport decision makers. Analysis, Comment & News on Transport Policy, Planning, Finance and Delivery since 1989.

Wales and Borders passengers ride first new train in 22 years

Rhodri Clark
29 November 2022
Passengers alight from the first new TfW train at Llanrwst on the inaugural day of Class 197 operation
Passengers alight from the first new TfW train at Llanrwst on the inaugural day of Class 197 operation
 

The first new train in 22 years on the Wales and Borders network has begun operation in North Wales. The diesel unit, built by CAF in Newport, entered service on 14 November on the scenic Conwy Valley branch line.

It is the first of 148 new trains ordered by the Welsh Government in 2018, with the aim that 95% of Wales and Borders journeys will be on new rolling stock. There will be 77 Class 197 diesel units from CAF for long-distance services and some shorter routes. 

Stadler will supply tram-trains and tri-mode units for the Valley Lines, along with diesel units for local services which use the main line out of Cardiff Central. The Conservative UK Government cancelled electrification of the main line west of Cardiff in 2017.

The Class 197s will initially be rolled out on services operated out of Chester depot, including those to Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly. They are due to commence operations to Cardiff via Hereford in the spring, once enough South Wales traincrew have been trained on the units.

The last new trains on Wales and Borders services were the Class 175s, which First North Western introduced in 2000. When the first 15-year Wales and Borders franchise was procured three years later, the Labour UK Government rejected proposals from Arriva for new trains to replace Pacer units and the franchise was premised on almost no growth in demand and service frequency arising during the 15-year term.

Since 2003, Wales and Borders has struggled to provide sufficient capacity with its ageing fleet. Transport for Wales ordered old rolling stock from other parts of Britain as temporary cover for the withdrawal of Pacers last year, but some has proved unreliable and the fleet of former London Underground trains – due to enter service in May 2019 – has yet to carry any passengers.

Specialist Transport Manager
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall, Matlock
Grade 13 £46,363 - £50,006 per annum
Sustainable Transport Officer
Derbyshire County Council
County Hall, Matlock
Grade 9 £30,054 - £31,963 per annum
Team Leader (Network Co-ordination) RBKC618467
The Royal Borough of Kensington And Chelsea

£49,854 - £56,565 per annum
View all Vacancies
 
Search
 
 
 

TransportXtra is part of Landor LINKS

© 2024 TransportXtra | Landor LINKS Ltd | All Rights Reserved

Subscriptions, Magazines & Online Access Enquires
[Frequently Asked Questions]
Email: subs.ltt@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7959

Shop & Accounts Enquires
Email: accounts@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7855

Advertising Sales & Recruitment Enquires
Email: daniel@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7861

Events & Conference Enquires
Email: conferences@landor.co.uk | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7865

Press Releases & Editorial Enquires
Email: info@transportxtra.com | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7091 7875

Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Advertise

Web design london by Brainiac Media 2020