A TRAIN company has pledged a 'new era' for rail services in North Wales.

Avanti West Coast has taken over the operation of long-distance train services in North Wales, heralding what it claims to be a new era with new trains and more services to and from England.

The company claims it will make significant improvements to rail services in North Wales.

These include a new fleet of quieter, more accessible and greener bi-mode trains in 2022 on the strategic Holyhead to London Euston route that also serves Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction, Prestatyn, Rhyl and Flint.

These new trains are said to have reliable, free Wi-Fi; at-seat wireless inductive charging for electronic devices, plug and USB sockets; a brand-new catering offer and a real-time passenger information system.

It will be withdrawing the diesel Super Voyager trains and cutting CO2 emissions by more than 60 per cent.

Avanti West Coast has pledged more train services will run between North Wales and England including an additional service from Llandudno to London Euston from December 2020

From December 2022, new direct services from Gobowen (via Wrexham) to London Euston that provides a rail link for nearby Oswestry on the England-Wales border

The company claims there will be enhanced Welsh language provision for Welsh-speaking customers including announcements on Avanti West Coast train services in North Wales

There will be a ‘Delay Repay 15’ compensation for customers when trains are delayed by 15 minutes or more.

Ken Skates AM, Welsh Government Minister for Economy and Transport welcomed the scheme.

He said: "It is good to see the commitment to partnership working and I look forward to having meaningful engagement in the process for developing services to be delivered in the future.

"A commitment to work with Transport for Wales will ensure both franchises work collaboratively for passengers and stakeholders to deliver integrated services that meet the needs of Welsh customers fairly and equitably.

"We want to see improved services and connections for the people of North Wales that will deliver long-term benefits and I'm pleased to see the introduction of a new fleet of greener trains."

Steve Montgomery, managing director of First Rail, said: “Our plans for new, greener trains, and for more services and new destinations will significantly enhance the quality of rail journeys for our customers travelling in and beyond North Wales. Avanti West Coast will work collaboratively with stakeholders and strategic partners such as Transport for Wales to bring communities across our network closer together.”

Ernesto Sicilia, Managing, Director of Trenitalia (UK), said: “We’re honoured to begin operating rail services between Wales and England.

Avanti represents our progressive and innovative values of quality, dynamism and innovation: this is what we want to guarantee to the people of North Wales”.