TfW report promises rail expansion

IN contrast to the Westminster Government belief that a slow recovery in passenger demand justifies a 20% reduction in timetabled services, Transport for Wales (TfW) has set out plans for rail expansion.

The annual report for the year ended March 31 reflected the takeover of the Wales and Borders franchise in February, bringing rail operations in Wales under the direct control of TfW. This followed the ownership transfer of the Core Valley Lines infrastructure from Network Rail to Welsh Ministers in March 2020.

Train service enhancement has taken place on the Rhymney line as a result of the introduction of Class 769 bi-mode units, which are conversions of displaced Class 319 former Thameslink units owned by Porterbrook. TfW has upped the original order for five units to nine to increase capacity. In diesel mode the power is provided by 2 MAN power packs, producing a combined rating of 1046hp for each unit.

The rolling stock highlight is the current and future use of Mk.4 passenger vehicles displaced from East Coast Main Line working, where 37 have been acquired, together with eight Mk.4 DVTs. The intention is to form seven sets of four/five vehicles, with some spares. Haulage is currently provided by six Class 67 locomotives modified to haul

Mk.4 coaches between Holyhead and Cardiff. TfW also intends to use locomotive-hauled sets between Swansea and Manchester.