Premier Service
.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Passenger train |
| First service | 15 December 2008 |
| Current operator(s) | Transport for Wales Rail |
| Former operator(s) | Arriva Trains Wales KeolisAmey Wales |
| Route | |
| Termini | Holyhead Manchester Piccadilly Cardiff Central |
| Average journey time | 4 hours, 30 minutes |
| Service frequency | Monday - Friday |
| Train number(s) | 1V91 1W96 |
| Line(s) used | North Wales Coast Chester-Shrewsbury Welsh Marches South Wales |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | Class 67 Mark 4 Mark 4 DVT |
The Premier Service is a passenger train service operated by Transport for Wales Rail between Holyhead and Cardiff Central in Wales.
History
[edit]On 15 December 2008, the Premier Service commenced operating between Holyhead and Cardiff Central.[1] Originally named Y Gerallt Gymro (Gerald of Wales), it was funded by the Welsh Government as a premium service to connect North and South Wales. Grand Central and Wrexham & Shropshire expressed an interest in operating the service; however, the contract was awarded to Wales & Borders franchise holder Arriva Trains Wales.[2][3]
Four Class 57 locomotives (57313–57316) were sublet from Virgin Trains West Coast to operate in top and tail formation, with one Mark 3 and three Mark 2 carriages.[4] By February 2009, the service was being operated by a single Class 57.[5]
In March 2012, the Class 57 were replaced by DB Schenker Class 67.[6] The Mark 2 carriages were replaced with Mark 3 carriages at the same time.[7] It originally ran via Crewe but, from September 2012, it was rerouted via Wrexham General after a Driving Van Trailer was added; this allowed the train to change direction at Chester.[8]
In October 2018, operation of the Premier Service passed with the Wales & Borders franchise to KeolisAmey Wales.[9] In March 2020, the service was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Mark 3 coaches withdrawn.[10][11] It resumed in June 2021, with Class 67 hauled Mark 4 coaches and, as of August 2021[update], three trains in each direction now operate five days a week.[12][13][14]
Services
[edit]The Premier Service departs Holyhead at 05:27, and departs Cardiff Central at 17:22. It features first-class accommodation and a dining car with a travelling chef. First class customers have the option of purchasing a breakfast, lunch or dinner, cooked to order, by the on-board chef. Normal standard-class fares are valid on the train.
As well as serving Cardiff to Holyhead, Transport for Wales introduced 6 return services Monday-Saturday between Cardiff and Manchester, and 1 return service between Swansea and Manchester on Monday-Saturday, with 2 services on Sunday, using the same rolling stock. [15]
References
[edit]- ^ "North-south service to go ahead". BBC News. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
- ^ "ATW to launch Holyhead-Cardiff service" Rail issue 603 22 October 2008 page 21
- ^ "Go-ahead for new North-South Wales service" Today's Railways UK issue 84 December 2008 page 7
- ^ "New Service Links North and South Wales" The Railway Magazine issue 1294 February 2009 page 9
- ^ "57s solo on WAG express" Today's Railways UK issue 88 April 2009 page 58
- ^ 67s start work on WAG Express Rail issue 693 4 April 2012 page 25
- ^ "Ex-Cargo-D Mk 3s refurbished and ready for duty with Arriva Trains Wales" Rail issue 708 31 October 2012 page 26
- ^ Mk3 DVTs converted for Arriva Trains Wales Rail issue 687 11 January 2012 page 18
- ^ Service Improvements Government of Wales
- ^ Arriva Mk3s sent for store The Railway Magazine issue 1431 June 2020 page 77
- ^ Time called on WAG Railways Illustrated July 2020 page 16
- ^ TfW livery applied to first of hired Class 67s Rail issue 892 20 November 2019 page 29
- ^ First trials for Welsh Mk 4s Railways Illustrated January 2020 page 8
- ^ Transport for Wales introduces premium trains Transport for Wales 7 June 2021
- ^ https://225group.org.uk/docs/Intercity-225-Services-TfW.pdf
External links
[edit]
Media related to Premier Service at Wikimedia Commons
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