Transport for Wales

[Stu]

158 830 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

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.

[Sh4318]

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.

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

[888DUK]

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

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.

[888DUK]

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.

[Stu]

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.

Paywalled article.

[twbc99]

158 830 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

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.

[mikestone]

It will be interesting to see if there are enough ETCS units to allow the interworking of Holyhead services to continue.

[Wba_lad]

Anyone know if transport for wales are running tomorrow on the Birmingham international line.

[Stu]

Anyone 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.

[Wba_lad]

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.

I seen a sign on the station about industrial action, maybe it's just for West Midlands railway and London northwestern railway.

[Stu]

I 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.

[Jay71]

I'm finding train fares confusing. Next weekend I'm off to Shrewsbury.  Look at the train fare prices from Birmingham & Wolverhampton. Seems to be cheaper to go from BNS. I thought it would have been cheaper to go from Wolves. Most strange

[Rachvince53]

I'm finding train fares confusing. Next weekend I'm off to Shrewsbury.  Look at the train fare prices from Birmingham & Wolverhampton. Seems to be cheaper to go from BNS. I thought it would have been cheaper to go from Wolves. Most strange

Not sure how you got that. I've just looked up return fares from Birmingham and Wolverhampton next Saturday on the TfW website and advance fares are about £1 more and standard fares around £6 more from Birmingham.

[Jay71]

Not sure how you got that. I've just looked up return fares from Birmingham and Wolverhampton next Saturday on the TfL website and advance fares are about £1 more and standard fares around £6 more from Birmingham.

Trainpal & NationalRail sites 

[Rachvince53]

Trainpal & NationalRail sites

Checked on National Rail - same results as my search on the Transport for Wales (not TfL!) search.