Wales unveils new trains, boosting local travel

Monday, February 19, 2024

Transport for Wales has recently revealed their plan to debut brand-new trains on the Maesteg line this week, signalling a significant enhancement in regional rail services. These trains, part of the Class 197 fleet, have been assembled domestically in Wales and have received the green light for operation. Their routes will encompass the stretch from Maesteg down to Bridgend, and extend across to Cheltenham Spa, passing through Cardiff, Newport, and Chepstow along the way.

This introduction is a component of an ambitious £800 million investment by Transport for Wales aimed at modernising its fleet. Marie Daly, the Chief Customer and Culture Officer, articulated that these modern trains are poised to drastically elevate the travel experience for passengers. Highlighting the benefits, she mentioned that the new trains will not only have increased capacity and reliability but also represent a significant upgrade over the existing services.

The Maesteg line, being an integral part of the network, will see its users enjoying the advantages of these state-of-the-art trains. Daly expressed enthusiasm about reaching another milestone in their ongoing mission to foster customer-centric services and promote sustainable travel alternatives. The anticipated improvement in customer experience was underscored as a crucial aspect of this upgrade.

The roll-out of the Class 197 fleet commenced last year, following an order of 77 units from CAF, a Spanish manufacturer, which has established a facility in Newport for assembling these trains for the UK market.

The Deputy Minister for Climate Change responsible for Transport, Lee Waters, praised this development as a long-awaited change, highlighting the broader benefits accruing from the investment in new rolling stock across Wales. He emphasized the importance of these modern, comfortable trains, manufactured in Wales, in making rail travel a more attractive option for the public, especially for those commuting to and from Maesteg.

Destined to be the mainstay of the mainline fleet, these trains are designed to operate in various configurations, ranging from 2 to 6 carriages. Following their deployment on the Maesteg and Cheltenham lines, plans are in place to introduce them on the Ebbw Vale and Pembroke Dock lines by the summer, and on the Cambrian line by 2025. As the transition progresses, older trains will gradually be phased out, although passengers might encounter both new and old trains in service for some time.

This upgrade is expected to have a profound impact on tourism, enhancing the accessibility and appeal of regions connected by the Maesteg line. By offering a more pleasant and reliable travel experience, it is likely to encourage more tourists to explore these areas, potentially boosting local economies and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

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