New trains for Newtown passengers still ‘months away’

It could be months yet before new trains are carrying passengers from Newtown, Transport for Wales have revealed after they launched new trains on the western part of the Cambrian Line this week.

The long-awaited arrival of the new Class 197e trains on our local line was announced prior to the weekend, but this morning we can confirm that they will only operate on the stretch between Machynlleth and Pwllheli.

We asked TfW when it will run all the way through to Shrewsbury via Newtown and Welshpool and were only told: “They will be introduced in the coming months.”

They can’t come fast enough following another summer of unpredictable train travel with trains that were jam packed, lacked air conditioning and were often cancelled.

These brand-new trains are part of the Welsh Government’s £800m investment in new stock.  

Built in Wales, the first of 21 new Class 197e trains will be introduced on the Cambrian Coast, replacing trains that have served the Cambrian Line for more than three decades.

On a positive note these will hopefully be available for the rest of the Camrbian Line which has seen recent cancellations due to a lack of stock.

TfW said passengers will benefit from high speed Wi-Fi, at-seat power charging points, bilingual digital screens, modern air-conditioning, a fully accessible toilet, and dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.

As TfW introduces the new trains gradually, temporary timetable changes are in place from today. Services on the Cambrian Coast line between Pwllheli and Machynlleth will operate separately, meaning passengers travelling between the Cambrian Coast and Birmingham via Shrewsbury will need to change at Machynlleth. 

Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, said: “These new trains mark a significant step forward for passengers, delivering the modern and reliable railway that communities along the Cambrian Coast deserve.

“This investment is about more than just new trains, it's about TfW delivering better journeys for passengers, on trains built in Wales, for the people of Wales.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at TfW said: “Introducing the first of our brand-new Class 197e trains onto the Cambrian Coast is a major milestone and the beginning of a significant transformation for customers travelling across North and Mid Wales. 

“To bring these trains into service as quickly as possible, we need to make some temporary changes to how services operate. After carefully considering all available options, we’ve chosen an approach that allows us to introduce three new trains onto the Cambrian Coast overnight as a first stage.  

“We’re encouraging all passengers travelling to and from the Cambrian Coast line to check before they travel, as they will need to change trains at Machynlleth for a short period. Our friendly staff will be on hand to help. 

“Over the coming months, more new trains will be introduced across the Cambrian, replacing trains that have served the route for more than 30 years and transforming the travel experience for our customers. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers on board as we continue to invest in a better railway for communities across Wales.”