Mod's note: Transport For Wales took over operation of services from Arriva Trains Wales in October 2018 - Stu.
Transport for Wales have received 5 class 153s from Great Western Railway:
- 153325 & 153333 - both ex London Midland
- 153329, 153361, 153369 - in First Great Western livery
It's my understanding all units moved as an ECS from Exeter St David's to Cardiff Canton Sidings earlier this month. Have they been used in service yet?
wnxx mentions two of them haven't been used.
Quote from: mikestone on April 14, 2019, 08:15:26 PM
wnxx mentions two of them haven't been used.
I wonder if it's the ex London Midland units (153325 & 153333) that haven't been used, they're in an awful state aesthetically, GWR removed their ad vinyls before they moved, which TfW - understandably- weren't too pleased about
https://flic.kr/p/2feUHhn
https://flic.kr/p/2fgLGLB
Quote from: Trident 4194 on December 17, 2016, 12:42:08 PM
It's like £25 for child
An adult advance single is £12.50...
Quote from: dave47549 (no longer NEL111P) on April 15, 2019, 12:12:47 PM
An adult advance single is £12.50...
Look at the date of the post you're replying to, it's from 2016!
Quote from: StourValley98 on April 15, 2019, 12:31:04 PM
Look at the date of the post you're replying to, it's from 2016!
Where's the fun in that?
https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/locomotive-hauled-trains-to-cover-welsh-stock-shortfall?fbclid=IwAR2GYhG20rKiDuvP5PSvVhM9Zhcb1b0P6itCFNStO492BrZprK4icKhqZgI
Loco Hauled Trains making a comeback in Wales.
They'll be running on the line which passes through where I live. Pity they can't be used outside of peak times. We're also due some of the class 769 units too.....
Only 2 coaches used from Birmingham international to aberstywith? Is this usual?
In my experience there's usually 2 or 4 carriages, usually 4 that split later into two 2 carriage units to serve Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, maybe there's just 2 carriages when only serving Aberystwyth?
Probably 158s covering non-available 175s - on Monday there were four sets in the depot at 10.30 and 175107+175109, which had been working coupled due to a defect for at least a week, on the Crewe shuttle 150 diagram. Not sure but there may also be a 175 at Ditton being refurbished.
AFAIK, there are still 158s being refurbished with PRM mods, hence the short forming at times
Was really not impressed with TFW last Saturday!
I was travelling on holiday to Borth from Birmingham New Street, with my companions due to board the same train at Wolverhampton.
The departure displays were indicating that the train would be a four carriage unit, and that passengers for Borth and Aberystwyth should use the rear coaches C & D, while those going on to Barmouth and Pwllheli should use the front coaches A and B. This was based on my understanding that the train would seperate at Machynlleth. As a result, my sister and her partner had specifically reserved seats when booking their tickets.
So you can imagine my surprise as the train rolls in at New Street, and I'm counting the coaches, so I know which one to get into - I hadn't reserved a specific seat, but as I knew where my travelling companions had reservations it made sense to find a seat near them - and there are only two coaches! There was already a large crowd on the station platform - including a large group of 'football fans' - and as I asked one of the TFW staff "where's the rest of the train?" I just got a shrugged shoulders response.
So we have a short-formed train full of holidaymakers off to Aberystwyth, Barmouth, Borth and Pwllhelli, as well as a large group of Portsmouth fans heading to Shrewsbury for a football match, all trying to squeeze into two carriages rather than four.
That wasn't the best start to this holiday. I had to stand all the way to Shrewsbury, while my sister and her partner had to stand from Wolverhampton. Luckily once all the footy yobs got off at Shrewsbury, we could all shuffle down the train and find some available seats. But all the time, the onboard announcements were showing that 'this train is for Aberystwyth', it was only after leaving Shrewsbury that we were told that passengers for Borth and Abersytwyth would have to change onto another train at Machynlleth - I guess that answered the question of "where's the rest of the train?" :D
A pretty fraught experience, and it didn't give me a very good opinion of Transport For Wales' service, though happily the return journey went to plan, with our two carriage train from Borth joining the train from Pwllheli at Machynlleth to form a four-car unit on to Shrewbsury and Birmingham.
Still, I think I got my moneys worth at £40 return. ;)
Quote from: Stu on August 10, 2019, 06:23:36 PM
Was really not impressed with TFW last Saturday!
I was travelling on holiday to Borth from Birmingham New Street, with my companions due to board the same train at Wolverhampton.
The departure displays were indicating that the train would be a four carriage unit, and that passengers for Borth and Aberystwyth should use the rear coaches C & D, while those going on to Barmouth and Pwllheli should use the front coaches A and B. This was based on my understanding that the train would seperate at Machynlleth. As a result, my sister and her partner had specifically reserved seats when booking their tickets.
So you can imagine my surprise as the train rolls in at New Street, and I'm counting the coaches, so I know which one to get into - I hadn't reserved a specific seat, but as I knew where my travelling companions had reservations it made sense to find a seat near them - and there are only two coaches! There was already a large crowd on the station platform - including a large group of 'football fans' - and as I asked one of the TFW staff "where's the rest of the train?" I just got a shrugged shoulders response.
So we have a short-formed train full of holidaymakers off to Aberystwyth, Barmouth, Borth and Pwllhelli, as well as a large group of Portsmouth fans heading to Shrewsbury for a football match, all trying to squeeze into two carriages rather than four.
That wasn't the best start to this holiday. I had to stand all the way to Shrewsbury, while my sister and her partner had to stand from Wolverhampton. Luckily once all the footy yobs got off at Shrewsbury, we could all shuffle down the train and find some available seats. But all the time, the onboard announcements were showing that 'this train is for Aberystwyth', it was only after leaving Shrewsbury that we were told that passengers for Borth and Abersytwyth would have to change onto another train at Machynlleth - I guess that answered the question of "where's the rest of the train?" :D
A pretty fraught experience, and it didn't give me a very good opinion of Transport For Wales' service, though happily the return journey went to plan, with our two carriage train from Borth joining the train from Pwllheli at Machynlleth to form a four-car unit on to Shrewbsury and Birmingham.
Still, I think I got my moneys worth at £40 return. ;)
I've seen more 2 coach trains with TfW on the Wolverhampton routes than I ever did with ATW!!
The New St CIS seems unable to cope with formation changes, and I have the impression it doesn't get its information from the same source as other stations.
Quote from: Stu on August 10, 2019, 06:23:36 PM
Was really not impressed with TFW last Saturday!
I was travelling on holiday to Borth from Birmingham New Street, with my companions due to board the same train at Wolverhampton.
The departure displays were indicating that the train would be a four carriage unit, and that passengers for Borth and Aberystwyth should use the rear coaches C & D, while those going on to Barmouth and Pwllheli should use the front coaches A and B. This was based on my understanding that the train would seperate at Machynlleth. As a result, my sister and her partner had specifically reserved seats when booking their tickets.
So you can imagine my surprise as the train rolls in at New Street, and I'm counting the coaches, so I know which one to get into - I hadn't reserved a specific seat, but as I knew where my travelling companions had reservations it made sense to find a seat near them - and there are only two coaches! There was already a large crowd on the station platform - including a large group of 'football fans' - and as I asked one of the TFW staff "where's the rest of the train?" I just got a shrugged shoulders response.
So we have a short-formed train full of holidaymakers off to Aberystwyth, Barmouth, Borth and Pwllhelli, as well as a large group of Portsmouth fans heading to Shrewsbury for a football match, all trying to squeeze into two carriages rather than four.
That wasn't the best start to this holiday. I had to stand all the way to Shrewsbury, while my sister and her partner had to stand from Wolverhampton. Luckily once all the footy yobs got off at Shrewsbury, we could all shuffle down the train and find some available seats. But all the time, the onboard announcements were showing that 'this train is for Aberystwyth', it was only after leaving Shrewsbury that we were told that passengers for Borth and Abersytwyth would have to change onto another train at Machynlleth - I guess that answered the question of "where's the rest of the train?" :D
A pretty fraught experience, and it didn't give me a very good opinion of Transport For Wales' service, though happily the return journey went to plan, with our two carriage train from Borth joining the train from Pwllheli at Machynlleth to form a four-car unit on to Shrewbsury and Birmingham.
Still, I think I got my moneys worth at £40 return. ;)
It's a pretty regular occurrence.
Quote from: mikestone on August 10, 2019, 07:36:19 PM
The New St CIS seems unable to cope with formation changes, and I have the impression it doesn't get its information from the same source as other stations.
It was a pretty poor show to be honest, the lack of clarity was appalling. And it also seemed pretty pointless being able to reserve specific seats in coaches that frankly didn't exist. Also, I'm sure there are other trains to Shrewsbury that the football mob could have got on instead, rather than clogging up a train that should really have been intended for the longer distance travellers.
Quote from: Stu on August 10, 2019, 08:05:02 PM
It was a pretty poor show to be honest, the lack of clarity was appalling. And it also seemed pretty pointless being able to reserve specific seats in coaches that frankly didn't exist. Also, I'm sure there are other trains to Shrewsbury that the football mob could have got on instead, rather than clogging up a train that should really have been intended for the longer distance travellers.
That's the quickest service. Anyway, why should they have taken another service? That train isn't just for long distance travellers.
09.10 Inter-Holyhead on journey check as 4 v 6 today. I was under the impression it had been reduced permanently to release a set for PRM mods?
Transport for Wales Class 230 unit currently having test runs most days between Honeybourne and Stourbridge Junction. 230 006 is the unit being used.
From 6th July TfW services are based on an SX service, but daytime off-peak services won't run between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International.
Quote from: mikestone on June 28, 2020, 12:37:30 PM
From 6th July TfW services are based on an SX service, but daytime off-peak services won't run between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International.
So no off-peak direct services between Smethwick GB & Shrewsbury? Fantastic
Back to hourly next week.
230007 on test at Stourbridge Junction 13/7/20
The same unit being tested today , the first one that I have seen , quite impressive as it passed through Blakedown Station earlier . :D
https://gov.wales/essential-travel-restriction-public-transport-be-lifted
.
from tomorrow
Quote from: mikestone on August 16, 2020, 04:50:14 PM
https://gov.wales/essential-travel-restriction-public-transport-be-lifted
.
from tomorrow
Should have been lifted the same time as in England personally.
But the Welsh Assembly Government wanted to show that they are separate country from England by being different:-)
Quote from: Ian Hardy on August 16, 2020, 07:49:49 PM
But the Welsh Assembly Government wanted to show that they are separate country from England by being different:-)
Drakeford is an idiot with no brain.
230008 on test at Stourbridge Junction today. That leaves 2 more to be completed for Tfw.
158 and 153 coupled on the 8:11 from Wolverhampton- BHI. One of the 153s was an ex EMR carriage (still in EMR colours)
The MAN to caernathen trains are absolutely appalling for reliability. Currently on a 35 minute delayed class 150 from Crewe to MAN. This train was started from Cardiff central and not caernathen.
Also instead of announcing Wilmslow automatically, it announces Alderley edge! I presume this train was an ex northern train.
Has anyone got any idea when the TFW class 197 with ETCS for the Cambrian Lines are due to start being delivered, progress seems very slow with the deliveries of all of this class.
I'll take that as a no then 🤣🤣
Quote from: 888DUK on April 02, 2022, 07:47:36 AMHas anyone got any idea when the TFW class 197 with ETCS for the Cambrian Lines are due to start being delivered, progress seems very slow with the deliveries of all of this class.
They could be a problem getting them built so that's why could be slow
@888DUK could contact TFW & ask them directly
Quote from: Solo1 on May 15, 2022, 08:40:50 AMThey could be a problem getting them built so that's why could be slow @888DUK could contact TFW & ask them directly
I have TFW say the Cambrian lines spec will be the last to be built and in service has now been pushed back to 2024.
Seems pretty poor service from CAF to me.
Quote from: 888DUK on May 19, 2022, 07:40:05 AMI have TFW say the Cambrian lines spec will be the last to be built and in service has now been pushed back to 2024.
Seems pretty poor service from CAF to me.
We have had covid & could have a lot of orders & the midland metro trams are off been fixed so they could be another reason did they say why 2 years
Quote from: 888DUK on May 19, 2022, 07:40:05 AMI have TFW say the Cambrian lines spec will be the last to be built and in service has now been pushed back to 2024.
Seems pretty poor service from CAF to me.
You'll never hear me complaining. If these 197s are anything like the 195s, they won't be an improvement on the 158s
TfW unit went up in flames last night at Craven Arms
https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/south-shropshire/craven-arms/2022/05/23/train-evacuated-after-catching-fire-in-shropshire/
Train evacuated after fire breaks out on board during journey through Shropshire - Shropshire Star
https://twitter.com/NetworkRailWAL/status/1528653534824103938?s=20&t=_y8wrvfPEt95pH4Ed5GBWQ
https://twitter.com/tfwrail/status/1528620571059179521?s=20&t=1kcCGz3iUvqrwFVwCa22dA
Had a lovely week away on the west coast of Wales, no problems with the outbound journey last Saturday towards Aberystwyth.
However travelling back home this morning, despite the journey checker not reporting any issues with the Cambrian line, and the departure boards showing a 'clean' journey through to Birmingham International, the service was seemingly curtailed at short notice at Shrewsbury.
Ordinarily I wouldn't be too fussed about this, what I objected to was that I could barely hear the 'spoken' on-board announcement as we approached Shrewsbury as it was too quiet and muffled, not helped by a loud rowdy group of passengers within our carriage.
The scrolling visual displays were still showing "a service for Birmingham Intl" as the train sat at Shrewsbury. It was only when the displays went blank and then a second announcement was made welcoming passengers onto the service to Aberyswyth/Pwllheli that I realised I needed to get off!
What compounded things was having to be shuffled off onto another waiting 4-car train that was already nearly full - not sure where it had come from but I heard a couple of other passengers grumbling that this train had already been sat for sometime at Shrewsbury.
I get the whole driver/rolling stock shortage that TfW are experiencing, but this was a pretty poor experience in my opinion.
I love travelling to Wales on the Cambrian line, but if TfW are struggling, it would probably be better to just operate it to and from Shrewsbury. It may be convenient for me to get one train direct from New Street, but I wouldn't mind getting another train to Shrewsbury as long as I know in advance and can be prepared!
Quote from: Stu on April 29, 2023, 04:59:10 PMHad a lovely week away on the west coast of Wales, no problems with the outbound journey last Saturday towards Aberystwyth.
However travelling back home this morning, despite the journey checker not reporting any issues with the Cambrian line, and the departure boards showing a 'clean' journey through to Birmingham International, the service was seemingly curtailed at short notice at Shrewsbury.
Ordinarily I wouldn't be too fussed about this, what I objected to was that I could barely hear the 'spoken' on-board announcement as we approached Shrewsbury as it was too quiet and muffled, not helped by a loud rowdy group of passengers within our carriage.
The scrolling visual displays were still showing "a service for Birmingham Intl" as the train sat at Shrewsbury. It was only when the displays went blank and then a second announcement was made welcoming passengers onto the service to Aberyswyth/Pwllheli that I realised I needed to get off!
What compounded things was having to be shuffled off onto another waiting 4-car train that was already nearly full - not sure where it had come from but I heard a couple of other passengers grumbling that this train had already been sat for sometime at Shrewsbury.
I get the whole driver/rolling stock shortage that TfW are experiencing, but this was a pretty poor experience in my opinion.
I love travelling to Wales on the Cambrian line, but if TfW are struggling, it would probably be better to just operate it to and from Shrewsbury. It may be convenient for me to get one train direct from New Street, but I wouldn't mind getting another train to Shrewsbury as long as I know in advance and can be prepared
Sounds like a fairly common unit swap at Shrewsbury. The train from Birmingham crosses at Shrewsbury with the one to Birmingham.
The section of route between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth/Pwllheli has a different type of signalling, and as such can only be operated by certain 158s.
If the train from Birmingham is not compliant, the units are swapped over at Shrewsbury. This shouldn't delay the departures from Shrewsbury though as there's a fair amount of stand time in both directions.
Travelling with Transport For Wales again today on another trip to Borth.
Same complaint about extremely low volume of onboard announcements.
Train arrived at Machynlleth on time and with no issues, it sat there for a few minutes as is usual while crews changeover.
There was some barely audible announcement, then the train sat there for a few more minutes, beyond its scheduled departure time.
Eventually some member of staff came into the carriage and told us all that the service was being curtailed due to 'an issue further down the line' and we all had to go to the front of the station to board the waiting replacement buses.
If we could have heard the announcements, then we wouldn't have all been sat patiently in our seats waiting for the train to depart. :shocked:
To be fair, replacement coaches had already been arranged, and there was a Lloyds coach going direct to Aberystwyth, and a minibus for those going to Borth and Bow Street. What was funny though was that having got on the minibus with some others already, we were told we had to go to the depot to change to a larger vehicle, as it seems there were far more passengers than TfW anticipated.
So my rail replacement journey involved a ride through to the other side of Machynlleth, then back to the train station to pickup the other passengers.
To their credit the Lloyds driver was brilliant and well-humoured about the situation, and their coaches are quite nice to travel on.
I got to my destination nearly an hour later than I expected, but in all honesty it wasn't a problem, it's just the inaudible announcements on TfW's trains giving an impression of a lack of communication to passengers.
The Lloyds driver also explained that the reason for the curtailment was that someone had been up on a footbridge over the railway near Aberystwyth most of the day, but the line had to be closed as it looked like the situation was escalating and this person was threatening to fall onto the track.
I haven't had chance to check local news yet but as I saw a train pass by earlier, it looks like the situation has ended, hopefully not too badly.
As a reasonably regular visitor to Wales, I agree about the on-board announcements. The train I was on last week from Carmarthen to Cardiff didn't seem to have any announcements at all and the display read "this station is Carmarthen" for the whole journey.
In TFW's defence, their e-mail journey alerts system works well and is often more up to date than their website, their staff reply quickly via Whatsapp and if you book via the TFW app they automatically refund via delay repay without the need to apply.
158 830 just left Birmingham new street heading to Birmingham international solo, normally they work as a 4 coach formation, 2 158s.
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 09, 2024, 01:43:43 PM158 830 just left Birmingham new street heading to Birmingham international solo, normally they work as a 4 coach formation, 2 158s
No they don't it can either be 2 or 4 car
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 09, 2024, 01:43:43 PM158 830 just left Birmingham new street heading to Birmingham international solo, normally they work as a 4 coach formation, 2 158s.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 09, 2024, 05:18:48 PMNo they don't it can either be 2 or 4 car
That service originated from Holyhead, I don't know how that one usually works:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P64359/2024-01-09/detailed
The services that originate in Aberystwyth/Pwllheli are usually 4 coaches, joining together at Machynlleth.
Quote from: Stu on January 09, 2024, 08:09:00 PMThat service originated from Holyhead, I don't know how that one usually works:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:P64359/2024-01-09/detailed
The services that originate in Aberystwyth/Pwllheli are usually 4 coaches, joining together at Machynlleth.
If it's a service to both Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, an additional 158 will be coupled up at Shrewsbury for when the services would split at Machynlleth.
Occasionally, a 150 or (one or two) 153s deputise for a missing 158 between Birmingham International and Shrewsbury, but the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth/Pwllheli leg of the trip will always be 158 due to them only being compatible with the EMRTS signalling equipment - of course this will change this year when the 197s are made compatible and take over such duties
Quote from: Sh4318 on January 09, 2024, 11:15:31 PMIf it's a service to both Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, an additional 158 will be coupled up at Shrewsbury for when the services would split at Machynlleth.
Occasionally, a 150 or (one or two) 153s deputise for a missing 158 between Birmingham International and Shrewsbury, but the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth/Pwllheli leg of the trip will always be 158 due to them only being compatible with the EMRTS signalling equipment - of course this will change this year when the 197s are made compatible and take over such duties
TFW are now saying to me no 197's on the Cambrian this year.
Only 197003 line specific delivered so far and that was twelve months ago. The other 20 units will be the last off the production line at Newport, which TFW say will make it Impossible to have 197's running in revenue earning service on the Cambrian this year.
https://www.modernrailways.com/article/debut-197-standard-plus-seating
Official update on entry to service of Class 197 units regarding all variants including ETCS fitted for the Cambrian Lines.
Quote from: 888DUK on January 21, 2024, 05:25:09 AMhttps://www.modernrailways.com/article/debut-197-standard-plus-seating
Official update on entry to service of Class 197 units regarding all variants including ETCS fitted for the Cambrian Lines.
Paywalled article.
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 09, 2024, 01:43:43 PM158 830 just left Birmingham new street heading to Birmingham international solo, normally they work as a 4 coach formation, 2 158s.
Quote from: Trident 4194 on January 09, 2024, 05:18:48 PMNo they don't it can either be 2 or 4 car
Typically the Birmingham - Holyhead services are at 2 car along the North Wales Coast but then have to be 4 car at Birmingham as they swap routes ie Holyhead - Birmingham - Aberystwyth/Pwllheli and reverse.
It will be interesting to see if there are enough ETCS units to allow the interworking of Holyhead services to continue.
Anyone know if transport for wales are running tomorrow on the Birmingham international line.
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 26, 2024, 05:29:37 PMAnyone know if transport for wales are running tomorrow on the Birmingham international line.
No planned disruptions for tomorrow, why do you ask?
https://tfw.wales/service-status/planned-improvement-works
Buses replace trains between Shrewsbury and Birmingham Intl on Sunday due to planned engineering works closing the lines between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street.
Quote from: Stu on January 26, 2024, 06:15:04 PMNo planned disruptions for tomorrow, why do you ask?
https://tfw.wales/service-status/planned-improvement-works
Buses replace trains between Shrewsbury and Birmingham Intl on Sunday due to planned engineering works closing the lines between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street.
I seen a sign on the station about industrial action, maybe it's just for West Midlands railway and London northwestern railway.
Quote from: Wba_lad on January 26, 2024, 06:55:42 PMI seen a sign on the station about industrial action, maybe it's just for West Midlands railway and London northwestern railway.
Industrial action by ASLEF starts from Tuesday 30th January, with an overtime ban coming into effect from Monday 29th.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service-disruptions/industrial-action-20240115/
Transport For Wales are not affected as this is only for English rail operators.