CAF class 197 Civity for TfW: News and updates on introduction.

[Northerngirl]

I'm sure anyone could have modified there existing offering to have gangways, look at the 730s.

 

[Caaardiff]

Those were franchise bids not rolling stock bids. CAF were not in the running for the franchise competition. The four bidders in the franchise competition were:

KeolisAmey (NOT CAF, CAF were a rolling stock supplier)
MTR
Abellio
Arriva

Sorry, misread the original post. I don't think the bids are published anywhere.

 

[BenBracken]

Has the Manchester - Pembroke Dock service been pushed back a week? I’m when I checked earlier this week it was on for tomorrow, but it appears to have gone and is now being advertised for the 15th? Is that due to a 197 not being available?

 

[BillStampy]

Has the Manchester - Pembroke Dock service been pushed back a week? I’m when I checked earlier this week it was on for tomorrow, but it appears to have gone and is now being advertised for the 15th? Is that due to a 197 not being available?

Believe it's now due to be on Monday. There's plenty avaliable, just something else which I'm not aware of.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2024 ==

Realtime Trains | 2E04 0530 Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock | 10/06/2024

Real-time train running information for 2E04 0530 departure from Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock on 10/06/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197006 is now allocated as the first 197 to run in passenger service on the Pembroke Dock line tomorrow, Monday the 10th of June. I'm sure it'll be a great surprise to people on the line compared to the sprinters!

 

[sd0733]

197006 is now allocated as the first 197 to run in passenger service on the Pembroke Dock line tomorrow, Monday the 10th of June. I'm sure it'll be a great surprise to people on the line compared to the sprinters!

All 4 diagrams which visit Pembroke Dock in the course of the day are booked 197s tomorrow.

There's still 42 197 diagrams this week, albeit 2 extra 2 car and 2 fewer 3 car. Looks as if a few more Ebbw Vales are now 150 and 2x153 diagrams to compensate.

 

[Western 52]

Believe it's now due to be on Monday. There's plenty avaliable, just something else which I'm not aware of.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2024 ==

Realtime Trains | 2E04 0530 Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock | 10/06/2024

Real-time train running information for 2E04 0530 departure from Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock on 10/06/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197006 is now allocated as the first 197 to run in passenger service on the Pembroke Dock line tomorrow, Monday the 10th of June. I'm sure it'll be a great surprise to people on the line compared to the sprinters!

One of the allocated units on the Pembroke line tomorrow is 197122. The standard plus seating will certainly be an upgrade from the sprinters!

 

[Anonymous10]

Believe it's now due to be on Monday. There's plenty avaliable, just something else which I'm not aware of.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2024 ==

Realtime Trains | 2E04 0530 Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock | 10/06/2024

Real-time train running information for 2E04 0530 departure from Carmarthen to Pembroke Dock on 10/06/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

197006 is now allocated as the first 197 to run in passenger service on the Pembroke Dock line tomorrow, Monday the 10th of June. I'm sure it'll be a great surprise to people on the line compared to the sprinters!

Looking forward to hopefully getting a 197 on my commute occasionally.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 9 Jun 2024 ==

All 4 diagrams which visit Pembroke Dock in the course of the day are booked 197s tomorrow.

There's still 42 197 diagrams this week, albeit 2 extra 2 car and 2 fewer 3 car. Looks as if a few more Ebbw Vales are now 150 and 2x153 diagrams to compensate.

What's Tuesday looking like? Just wondering if it's possible to predict.

 

[Lurcheroo]

Some info that some of you may find pleasing.
The passenger information screens and announcements are getting an overhaul.

The information that will be display is being improved with things like using a black background with white writing and bigger, easier to read writing.

The design will also align more closely to the TFW Branding.
The ‘train’ display with toilets on will be significantly improved and there will be improved messages for short platforms and formations that divide such as at Machynlleth.

Most importantly In my opinion, and what I think most will be pleased about, they number of announcements will be reduced. They will be removing ‘Welcome on board Transport for Wales’, ‘Thank you for travelling with Transport for Wales’, as well are shortening other announcements where possible.

They will also be trying to reduce the gap in some of the announcements such as ‘we are now approaching … Newport’.

Announcements will remain bilingual with Welsh first as this is required to meet the Welsh language standards.

 

[BenBracken]

197s on all three west Wales lines this morning! FGW, MHN and PMD services all showing 197 operation after 9am. Is anyone able to get a pic of a 197 in PD or Tenby this morning?

 

[Northerngirl]

Some info that some of you may find pleasing.
The passenger information screens and announcements are getting an overhaul.

The information that will be display is being improved with things like using a black background with white writing and bigger, easier to read writing.

The design will also align more closely to the TFW Branding.
The ‘train’ display with toilets on will be significantly improved and there will be improved messages for short platforms and formations that divide such as at Machynlleth.

Most importantly In my opinion, and what I think most will be pleased about, they number of announcements will be reduced. They will be removing ‘Welcome on board Transport for Wales’, ‘Thank you for travelling with Transport for Wales’, as well are shortening other announcements where possible.

They will also be trying to reduce the gap in some of the announcements such as ‘we are now approaching … Newport’.

Announcements will remain bilingual with Welsh first as this is required to meet the Welsh language standards.

Seems very positive, I guess enough people have complained

 

[Topological]

All 4 diagrams which visit Pembroke Dock in the course of the day are booked 197s tomorrow.

There's still 42 197 diagrams this week, albeit 2 extra 2 car and 2 fewer 3 car. Looks as if a few more Ebbw Vales are now 150 and 2x153 diagrams to compensate.

I see that the diagram that starts with 1W12 has gone back to 2-car today after being promoted to 3-car last week.

That train gets very busy further into its journey so would be good if today was a one-off rather than another example of Manchester services being overlooked when deciding where to send the 3-cars.

Its all better than when 150s were going to Manchester, but that does not mean it could not be better still.

 

[sd0733]

I see that the diagram that starts with 1W12 has gone back to 2-car today after being promoted to 3-car last week.

It's still a 3 car diagram. Lots of units out of place after yesterdays disruption isn't helping matters with units.

 

[Lurcheroo]

Seems very positive, I guess enough people have complained

Yes, lots of staff complained / asked if it could be looked at changing too.

 

[Topological]

It's still a 3 car diagram. Lots of units out of place after yesterdays disruption isn't helping matters with units.

Thank you. Hopefully, trains are getting back to where they need to be.

I do like the 197s for Manchester, but it definitely helps if there is enough space for all the people joining the train further north. I do not think it would be an issue getting a seat on a single 153 south of Abergavenny (Always seems to be a lot of people waiting to get on there).

 

[Cambrian359]

Is there a way of knowing if a service operated by a 197 has the business/standard class carriage before it’s arrives at the platform? And is it identifiable from the outside?

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Is there a way of knowing if a service operated by a 197 has the business/standard class carriage before it’s arrives at the platform? And is it identifiable from the outside?

Realtime trains can tell you, find the train and it'll tell you the number of the unit, numbers above (and including) 197113 have it.

Realtime Trains | Live Departures from Shrewsbury

Live train information at Shrewsbury. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[Cambrian359]

Realtime trains can tell you, find the train and it'll tell you the number of the unit, numbers above (and including) 197113 have it.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:sHR?stp=WVSC&show=all&order=wtt

Many thanks, hopefully get a go this week on a 197

 

[Anonymous10]

Realtime trains can tell you, find the train and it'll tell you the number of the unit, numbers above (and including) 197113 have it.

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/detailed/gb-nr:sHR?stp=WVSC&show=all&order=wtt

I thought it was about 115 for some reason.

 

[Topological]

Is it definitely still declassified? Just in case I find one turning up one day?

I tend to go for the table at the drivers end, but would be nice to try the premium product. Now 1W12 is a 3-car diagram there is a chance of one of the higher numbered 197/1s turning up.

 

[sd0733]

I thought it was about 115 for some reason.

115 was the first one in service but it's definitely 113 and above

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2024 ==

Is it definitely still declassified? Just in case I find one turning up one day?

Yes, still all declassified

 

[Topological]

Thank you @sd0733

A view of the future: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:L40600/2024-06-11/detailed#allox_id=3

Presently the 15:49 from Cardiff (origin Milford Haven) is showing as 197050 + 197116. A 5-car 197 on the Marches. It will be substituted at some point, but for now that is what we are all working towards in actual train form (OK technically it should be 5-car from Swansea).

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Thank you @sd0733

A view of the future: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:L40600/2024-06-11/detailed#allox_id=3

Presently the 15:49 from Cardiff (origin Milford Haven) is showing as 197050 + 197116. A 5-car 197 on the Marches. It will be substituted at some point, but for now that is what we are all working towards in actual train form (OK technically it should be 5-car from Swansea).

TfW RTT before 4am (or thereabouts) is always a joy of weird formations, it used to keep throwing 153s onto the Cambrian.

 

[Topological]

TfW RTT before 4am (or thereabouts) is always a joy of weird formations, it used to keep throwing 153s onto the Cambrian.

It would be fascinating to know why. Presumably, something generates that allocation.

Today was 197120 on 1W12 in the end, if that happens again then I will check out the declassified availability. Any of the 3-cars is good though as there is nothing wrong with the standard class seat (as long as you get a seat).

 

[childwallblues]

As I passed Wovertom Centre Sidings t about 1030 this morning a Freightiner Class 66 was bringing a 197 out of the works. Does anybody know which one it was please?

 

[and37075]

As I passed Wovertom Centre Sidings t about 1030 this morning a Freightiner Class 66 was bringing a 197 out of the works. Does anybody know which one it was please?

66504 197031

 

[Snow1964]

The Welsh Media is now reporting that the new trains (197s) are now in service on Pembroke Dock and Tenby services

Passengers going to holiday hot spots like Tenby and Saundersfoot can now travel on brand new trains as Transport for Wales’ Class 197s have been added to the Pembroke line.

The made-in-Wales Class 197s made their first appearance on the line between Swansea/Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock on Monday 10 June, with the majority of services using a three-carriage train.

Services on the line can be operated with upto 4 carriages providing a boost for capacity and comfort ahead of the summer season.

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer at Transport for Wales, said: “Since the first of our brand new trains came into service last year we’ve been working hard to add more routes across Wales.

“We’re delighted to be able to start running new trains on the Pembroke line in time for the summer holiday period.

“TfW is committed to providing people with an alternative to using cars and these new trains are comfortable with improved seating, air conditioning and customer information."

New trains announced for Tenby and Saundersfoot rail lines

Passengers going to holiday hot spots like Tenby and Saundersfoot can now travel on brand new trains as Transport for Wales’ Class 197s have been added to the Pembroke line. The made-in-Wales Class 197s made their first appearance on the line between Swansea/Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock on...

www.wales247.co.uk

 

[Topological]

Is there a rule that says when you add a carriage to a train more people turn up? Seems to be more on 1W12 this morning, but good that a 197/1 has been provided.

 

[BenBracken]

The Welsh Media is now reporting that the new trains (197s) are now in service on Pembroke Dock and Tenby services

Seems nearly all services west of Carmarthen are 197 operated this week, which is great. Is that due to new units being introduced or has somewhere else lost out? And will the 15x units return once the peak summer season has died down?

 

[Caaardiff]

15x fleet are mostly used on CVL services now. Exception being 153s on HOW, Crewe-Shrewsburt and some Ebbw Vale services.

 

[childwallblues]

66504 197031

Many thanks for your reply. Much appreciated.