Premier Service
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Overview | |
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Service type | Passenger train |
First service | 15 December 2008 |
Current operator(s) | Transport for Wales |
Former operator(s) | Arriva Trains Wales |
Route | |
Start | Holyhead |
End | Cardiff Central |
Average journey time | 4 hours, 30 minutes |
Service frequency | Monday - Friday |
Train number(s) | 1V91 1W96 |
Line(s) used | North Wales Coast Chester-Shrewsbury Welsh Marches South Wales |
Technical | |
Rolling stock | Class 67 Mark 4 Mark 4 DVT |
The Premier Service is a passenger train service operated by Transport for Wales between Holyhead and Cardiff in Wales.
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 three Mark 2 and one Mark 3 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 was rerouted via Wrexham General after a Driving Van Trailer was added, allowing the train to change direction at Chester.[8]
In October 2018, operation of the Premier Service passed with the Wales & Borders franchise to Transport for Wales.[9] In March 2020, the service was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Mark 3s withdrawn.[10][11] It resumed in June 2021 being operated by Class 67 hauled Mark 4s.[12][13][14]
Services[]
The Premier Service departs Holyhead at 05:34, returning from Cardiff Central at 17:16. It features first-class accommodation and a full dining car with travelling chef. Normal standard-class fares are valid on the train. First class attracts a supplement and includes a complimentary breakfast on the morning service and a three-course meal on the evening service. This is the only Transport for Wales service to offer first-class accommodation.[15]
References[]
- ^ "North-south service to go ahead". BBC News. 8 October 2008. Retrieved 2021-02-12.
- ^ "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
- Named passenger trains of the United Kingdom
- Railway services introduced in 2008
- 2008 establishments in the United Kingdom