Flex trains due to arrive...

ATW and its passengers have long felt the pinch from the decision by the Labour UK Government in 2003 to award a franchise to Arriva which was based on no significant increase in rolling stock for 15 years, writes Rhodri Clark.

The Welsh Government dipped into its own funds to provide a few additional second-hand units. ATW lengthened many trains as passenger numbers grew steadily, while also introducing additional services. This demanded more and more from the fleet, which mostly dates from the 1980s.

Five years ago a National Assembly inquiry recommended that work should begin quickly to modify the 75% of the fleet which did not comply with accessibility regulations – the deadline for which is 1 January 2020.

However, the modifications were not included in ATW’s contract. The Welsh Government was not responsible for rolling stock and the Conservative UK Government made no arrangements to prepare the Wales and Borders fleet.

The modifications programme for 120 coaches began in May, further depleting ATW’s pool of available trains. With the work compressed into 18 months, multiple trains will have to be out of use at the same time.

The programme of routine examinations and overhauls has been hit by several events, including train fires and the entire fleet of Coradia long-distance trains suffering wheel damage because of a defective rail in Newport in February.

There has been less opportunity for maintenance when ATW has strengthened services for special events, including the first three Ed Sheeran concerts in Cardiff and Armed Forces Day in Llandudno last month.

ATW’s franchise ends in October but the new operator, KeolisAmey, will have to live with the same fleet initially, unless the Flex trains make an appearance by then.

Rolling stock displaced from other franchises by new trains is due to arrive in Wales in May.