Transport for Wales Unveils New Trains Built by CAF

Transport for Wales (TfW) has unveiled a new fleet of trains that are set to improve rail transport in Wales.

The first new Class 197 train was revealed to the public on Friday 1 July at Chester railway station after being assembled at CAF’s Factory in Newport.

Wales trains
The new trains have been made in Wales to improve transport throughout the nation
Richard Garner, UK Director at CAF said:

“CAF is thrilled that the first of our Class 197 trains for the Wales and Borders network has been officially launched. We are immensely proud of our key role in delivering Transport for Wales' vision to transform rail travel for passengers.

“We see ourselves as a local manufacturer, supporting highly skilled jobs and bringing employment opportunities to the local area whilst focusing on sustainability issues and addressing the needs of the Welsh economy. Our trains are being built in Wales to serve the Welsh communities.”

TfW is investing 800 million GBP in the new fleet of trains, which will begin operating in North Wales throughout 2022. The new vehicles will increase capacity, reduce emissions and offer greater passenger comfort. Once the trains enter service, TfW will be able to run faster and more frequent services to key destinations such as Holyhead, Fishguard and Liverpool.

The new vehicles have leather seats, modern air conditioning systems, wider doors and customer information screens. They have also been fitted with charging points and on-board accessibility features.

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.”

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