Class 197s authorised for use by Transport for Wales

THE Office of Rail & Road has granted authorisation for the placing into service of 42 of the Class 197 diesel multiple units being built by CAF for Transport for Wales.

Dated January 13, the letter of authorisation only applies to those units not fitted with ETCS (European Train Control System) equipment and without First Class accommodation. It therefore covers 30 Class 197/0 two-car units (Nos. 197001/2, 197004-21 and 197042-51) and 12 Class 197/1 three-car units (Nos. 197101-112).

The first are expected to enter service in the next few months. The remaining 21 Class 197/0s (which will have ETCS for Cambrian line operation) and 14 Class 197/1 units (primarily for use between Swansea and Manchester) will be the subject of a separate ORR authorisation.

GARY STROUD No. 197002 is one of the fleet authorised to enter traffic. It is pictured at Llandudno Junction on June 24, 2021 while on test to Blaenau Ffestiniog.