Twenty two-car and 12 three-car Class 197 diesel multiple units were authorised for passenger use on Transport for Wales services by the Office of Rail and Road on January 18. A total of 51 two-car and 26 three-car diesel multiple units are on order from Spanish manufacturer CAF. They are due to begin entering service with TfW from later this year, initially in north Wales.
It is great to hear of these brand new trains coming into service. Although I strongly believe the refurbished Class 158s and 175s should remain in service - they may be older trains now, but having only been refurbed in recent years with onboard WiFi, new interior and seating, it would seem daft to take them out of service when they have done and still do in many cases, a perfectly good job? I would advise TFW to run a pair of Class 197s in at least a Five-Car formation for Birmingham to Holyhead services due to the sheer number of people waiting on the platform at New Street, for the Transport For Wales Service. In this day and age its all well and good having new trains but, in view of the recent article of severe overcrowding between Bangor & Cardiff, TFW out to be reminded that plenty of passengers still require a seat for their journey!
Julian - 18/02/2022 12:22
Great to see CAF and TFW have managed to bring these units into service so quickly. We are really looking forward and need new rolling stock fit for purpose on North Wales Services. Lets hope TFW introduces useable WI-FI on these new trains