New trains make their debut on Maesteg line

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) have welcomed the introduction of their brand-new Class 197 CAF trains on the Maesteg Line.

This long-awaited development follows a recent “drop-in” event at the Maesteg Harlequins arranged by Huw Irranca-Davies MS and Chris Elmore MP, where TfW representatives engaged in a lively and productive discussion with passengers from across Ogmore, Bridgend, and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The new trains being introduced are built in Wales and will provide greater capacity, modern and comfortable seats, improved accessibility features, accessible toilets, bilingual visual information screens, priority seating, Wi-Fi, charging sockets and bicycle spaces.

The Class 197 CAF should be significantly more reliable than the Class 150 trains, which will remain operating on the Maesteg line during a transition period.

The new trains form part of Transport for Wales’ £800m investment in new rolling stock for the Wales and Borders rail network and are already operating across the country.

In recognition of the challenges faced by passengers using the services, Transport for Wales have confirmed that they are committed to improving and delivering better and improved rail services for communities along the line.

Huw Irranca-Davies MS said: “Getting about by reliable public transport is an absolute pressing need for many of us on a daily basis. Whilst I welcome this overdue investment in rolling stock on the Maesteg line we must continue to press for improvements and reliability of the core service.

“I’m pleased to see TfW’s commitment to working with partners to enhance the

Maesteg Line, and to ensure resilience to services operating between Tondu signal box and Maesteg.

“However, it is critical that people highlight issues to Transport for Wales when they arise as their feedback will help to shape a more reliable and comfortable travel experience.”