FASTER and longer trains with first class carriages could be operating rail services between North Wales and Cardiff within a few weeks, the Daily Post can reveal.
Sources at Arriva Trains Wales say the firm is close to agreeing a deal with a train leasing company to bring up to nine Class 180 Adelante trains into service on Welsh lines.
Built by Alstom in Birmingham, they have five carriages which include a first class section.
The diesel trains, capable of 125mph, will be limited to just 90mph on the North Wales line. Currently three carriage Class 175 trains are used on Holyhead to Cardiff routes which run every two hours on weekdays.
A railway insider said: ?To operate the current level of services more rolling stock is needed. Two of the Class 158s are off to France imminently for ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) equipment to be installed.
?The repainting programme for 175s has started and will continue all next year with at least one unit out of service every week.?
A first-class service would be an attractive option for businessmen travelling to Cardiff.
full story here:
Dave Sallery
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