Brand new trains that will transform and improve transport throughout Wales and the borders have been unveiled by Transport for Wales (TfW)
The first Class 197 train with its ‘Made in Wales’ tag was revealed to the public recently, offering a taste of what’s to come for customers in the next few months.
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TfW are spending £800 million on new trains throughout their network and the Class 197 will be the first of the brand-new stock to enter service in North Wales before the end of this year.
Providing an increase in capacity, reduced emissions and enhanced comfort onboard, these trains will allow TfW to run faster and more frequent services to key routes including to destinations such as Holyhead, Fishguard and Liverpool.
Offering leather seats, modern air conditioning systems, wider doors and customer information screens, the new trains will transform the customer experience. They’ve also been fitted with electronic charging points and disability features for those with limited mobility.
Cllr David A Bithell, Deputy Leader with responsibility for strategic transport, said, “I welcomed the opportunity to see first-hand these very impressive trains.
“It’s great to see such investment in Wales and to see such commitment to upgrading services for customers across Wales and the borders by Transport for Wales.
“I’m sure passengers will appreciate the improvements when they come into service in the area later in the year.”
Alexia Course, TfW’s Director of Transport Operations, said: “At Transport for Wales we’re continually moving forward with our transformational plans to improve public transport for the people of Wales and the borders.
“The Class 197s on show at Chester railway station today will be an important part of the transformation of the Wales and Borders network, and when they enter service, they will enable us to run more services and carry more customers in comfort.
“The construction of our new trains has been four years in the making, and customers and colleagues are incredibly excited to welcome passengers onto them from later this year.
“It’s also important to recognise that these trains have been made in Wales at the CAF factory in Newport and the building of them has provided jobs and supported the local economy”.
The Class 197s will be operating across wales and the borders including Cardiff-Holyhead and the Borderlands Line (Wrexham-Bidston)
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