TfW sorry for summer of chaos on Welshpool trains

Welshpool’s summer of woes on the Cambrian Line could continue through to October when the new trains will finally be introduced.

Local train users have been fuming in recent weeks as the ailing service struggled under the summer sun, leaving many users, including students, stranded due to to cancellations.

The dire situation has been picked up by local Assembly Member Elwyn Vaughan who has been lobbying Transport for Wales to sort out the service.

They have provided Mr Vaughan MS with an update following their meeting which we have carried in full below. It also confirms that new trains are on the way, but we are the last area to receive them.

“During recent weeks we have faced challenges with the fleet of trains Class 158 which operate on the Cambrian line, mainly due to the hot weather. Unfortunately, the air conditioning system on the Class 158 doesn’t work to the best standard with a fault sending hot air back into the cars. The fault has resulted in some units being taken from service resulting in fewer available units in the fleet and as a result services have been cancelled or changed at short notice.

“On behalf of Transport for Wales I wish to apologise to your electors for any inconvenience caused by this, but the safety of our customers and staff is very important and the decision to cancel or change a service is not taken lightly.

“We are working hard to protect essential services for schools, as well as providing buses instead of the train to enable customers to complete their journey. We have also been protecting the fleet on the Cambrian by lowering the number between Birmingham and Shrewsbury.

“I’m pleased to share that from this October we will be introducing our Class 197e brand new trains which will provide a better service and more dependable for our communities. These brand-new trains have already been on trials along the line and they offer a higher standard for customers including a new air conditioning system, wi-fi, better areas for bikes, prams and wheelchairs as well as more comfortable seats and modern toilets.

Meanwhile, Mr Vaughan MS also provided an overview of what can be expected on the Cambrian Line from October.

“The last route to receive 197s will be the Cambrian Line. This is due to the line’s unique ETCS in-cab signalling and control system, which has led to the development of a batch of trains fitted with the specialist equipment. These 21 trains will be based at Machynlleth depot and will be dedicated to services between Birmingham, Aberystwyth and Pwllheli. Due to the specific nature of the systems, these require additional testing before entering service, which is already underway with the first train. Our Class 158 fleet, which currently operate the services on the Cambrian Line, will remain in service until the ETCS-fitted 197s are introduced.”