New and improved trains to be rolled out across North Wales

The first new Class 197 train was revealed to the public earlier this month at Chester railway station after being assembled at CAF’s Factory in Newport.

The new vehicles will be much improved and Wif-Fi enabled providing increased capacity, leather seats, air-conditioning, accessible toilets, wider doors and customer information screens.

The Class 197 train.

North Wales Senedd Member, Sam Rowlands, visited Chester railway station for the launch.

He said: “I was delighted to be invited to see the first brand new trains which will be rolled out to the Wales and Border rail network in the next few weeks.

“It is good to see this long over-due investment in rail travel for North Wales, which I know will be welcomed by many of my constituents. I am also proud and pleased that the new vehicles have been made by CAF, in Wales.

“It is also great news for passengers who regularly use this form of transport as the 197 will greatly improve their travelling experience.”

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Transport for Wales, 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 in the new fleet of trains, which will begin operating in North Wales throughout 2022.