16.07.19
TfW reveal new long-distance Class 175 trains
Transport for Wales (TfW) has revealed their new fleet of Class 175 trains as part of a major investment in Transport for Wales' long-distance trains.
Customers will soon be able to use USB, electric charging points and improved seating as part of the upgrades.
The first completed train rolled off the production line in Alstom's Technology Centre in Widnes, Cheshire this week.
The improvements have been described as a "significant investment" which will greatly improve customer experience.
TfW‘s rail services customer experience director, Colin Lea, said: "It's fantastic to be able to deliver these improvements for customers, which they rightly expect to see on a modern railway network.
"We know being able to travel in comfort and charge devices on the go are incredibly important to our customers, whether they are travelling for 20 minutes or four hours, for business or pleasure.
"While we are investing more than £800 million in brand new trains, they take time to build and we want our customers to have a comfortable experience right now.
"This significant investment is another major step to building a better railway for current and future generations."
As well as USB and plug sockets, customers will be able to travel on newly covered seats, with new carpet also being installed.
Interior fittings including table covers will be replaced too, while the exterior will be rebranded in TfW colours.
All 27 trains in the Class 175 fleet will receive the investment, which will soon be replicated on other TfW trains.