Premier Service
The Premier Service is a passenger train service operated by Transport for Wales Rail between Holyhead and Cardiff in Wales.
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Passenger train |
| First service | 15 December 2008 |
| Current operator(s) | Transport for Wales Rail |
| Former operator(s) | Arriva Trains Wales KeolisAmey Wales |
| Route | |
| Termini | Holyhead Cardiff Central |
| Average journey time | 4 hours, 30 minutes |
| Service frequency | Monday - Friday |
| Train number(s) | 1V91 1W91 1V96 1W93 1V98 1W96 |
| Line(s) used | North Wales Coast Chester-Shrewsbury Welsh Marches South Wales |
| Technical | |
| Rolling stock | Class 67 Mark 4 Mark 4 DVT |
History
On 15 December 2008, the Premier Service commenced operating between Holyhead and Cardiff Central.[1] Originally named Y Gerallt Gymro (Gerald of Wales), it was funded by the Welsh Government as a premium service to connect North and South Wales. Grand Central and Wrexham & Shropshire expressed an interest in operating the service; however, the contract was awarded to Wales & Borders franchise holder Arriva Trains Wales.[2][3]
Four Class 57s (57313-57316) were sublet from Virgin Trains West Coast to operate in top and tail formation, with one Mark 3 and three Mark 2 carriages.[4] By February 2009, the service was being operated by a single Class 57.[5]
In March 2012, the Class 57s were replaced by DB Schenker Class 67s.[6] The Mark 2 carriages were replaced with Mark 3s at the same time.[7] It originally ran via Crewe but, from September 2012, it was rerouted via Wrexham General after a Driving Van Trailer was added; this allowed the train to change direction at Chester.[8]
In October 2018, operation of the Premier Service passed with the Wales & Borders franchise to KeolisAmey Wales.[9] In March 2020, the service was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Mark 3s withdrawn.[10][11] It resumed in June 2021 with Class 67 hauled Mark 4s and, as of August 2021, 3 trains in each direction now operate five days a week.[12][13][14]
Services
The Premier Service departs Holyhead at 05:33, 11:33 and 16:36 five days a week; they leave Cardiff Central at 06:45, 11:22 and 17:16. It features first-class accommodation and a dining car with a travelling chef. First class customers have the option of purchasing a breakfast, lunch or dinner, cooked to order, by the on-board chef. Normal standard-class fares are valid on the train. This (as well as a few Class 197 Civity's from 2023) is the only Transport for Wales service to offer first-class accommodation.[15]
As well as serving Cardiff to Holyhead, this service also serves Swansea to Manchester several times a day.
References
- "North-south service to go ahead". BBC News. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 12 February 2021.
- "ATW to launch Holyhead-Cardiff service" Rail issue 603 22 October 2008 page 21
- "Go-ahead for new North-South Wales service" Today's Railways UK issue 84 December 2008 page 7
- "New Service Links North and South Wales" The Railway Magazine issue 1294 February 2009 page 9
- "57s solo on WAG express" Today's Railways UK issue 88 April 2009 page 58
- 67s start work on WAG Express Rail issue 693 4 April 2012 page 25
- "Ex-Cargo-D Mk 3s refurbished and ready for duty with Arriva Trains Wales" Rail issue 708 31 October 2012 page 26
- Mk3 DVTs converted for Arriva Trains Wales Rail issue 687 11 January 2012 page 18
- Service Improvements Government of Wales
- Arriva Mk3s sent for store The Railway Magazine issue 1431 June 2020 page 77
- Time called on WAG Railways Illustrated July 2020 page 16
- TfW livery applied to first of hired Class 67s Rail issue 892 20 November 2019 page 29
- First trials for Welsh Mk 4s Railways Illustrated January 2020 page 8
- Transport for Wales introduces premium trains Transport for Wales 7 June 2021
- First Class Transport for Wales
External links
Media related to Premier Service at Wikimedia Commons