Railways Illustrated

Last year we witnessed two new train fleets enter service onto the rail network, with the CAF-built Class 196s going into traffic with West Midlands Railway in October, quickly followed by the similar Transport for Wales Class 197s – also built by CAF – just a matter of weeks later. However, the new year has already seen the number of new train fleets entering service matching those for the whole of 2022. TfW introduced its Stadler-built Class 231 diesel multiple units in January, while just a few days later Merseyrail finally begun the introduction of the long-awaited Class 777s, which will replace the elderly Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple unit fleets. As reported in issue 240, Merseyrail currently tops the Office of Rail and Road’s table for the…

JANUARY 23 saw the first of Merseyrail’s Class 777 electric multiple units enter service between Liverpool Central and Kirkby, heralding a new era in transport on the network. The honour of being the first Class 777 to operate in public service fell to 777049, which worked the 10.50 service from Liverpool Central, arriving at Kirkby 19 minutes later. The long-awaited introduction of the new Stadler-built fleet has seen the trains initially operating on one daily diagram on the short route to Kirkby. It is understood that the diagrams and routes will be expanded over the coming weeks as more drivers complete their training. The Ormskirk line will be the next route on the network to see the introduction of the new trains. Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has financed the…

LESS THAN a week ahead of the introduction of the new trains in Merseyside, Transport for Wales successfully introduced its second fleet into service. The first Stadler-built Class 231 diesel multiple unit entered service on the Rhymney Valley line from January 18. Debut day saw 231007 work the 05.46 Cardiff Central to Penarth service, before forming the 06.02 Penarth to Bargoed, the 08.03 Bargoed to Rhymney and then continuing on the route throughout the day before coming out of service at Cardiff Central at 16.01. The same diagram has continued to be operated by the Class 231s since their initial launch, although this is set to be increased in the near future, and a second Class 231 was in use on services on February 4 in connection with the Six…

THE RAIL Maritime and Transport Union rejected the latest offers from both Network Rail and the train operating companies on February 10, with the ongoing dispute showing few signs of being resolved as this issue of Railways Illustrated went to print. The RMT said that following a wide ranging and in-depth consultation with every level of the union involved in the national rail dispute, the NEC decided to reject both offers on the basis that they do not meet members’ expectations on pay, job security or working conditions. The union has also made it clear that it is seeking an unconditional pay offer, a job security agreement and no detrimental changes being imposed on members’ terms, conditions and working practices. RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “We have carried out an…

THE FIRST of 54 new trains being built by CAF for use on the Dock-lands Light Railway was showcased to invited guests, including Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and London’s Transport Commissioner, Andy Lord, at Beckton Depot on February 8. The new DLR train, numbered 201, was delivered to Beckton in mid-January and a second train is expected to arrive in the UK in March. These will undergo extensive testing and commissioning, ahead of further trains arriving in the UK later in the year. Transport for London ordered 43 new trains from CAF in 2019 following a procurement process that focused on deliverability, technical expertise and value for money. It has recently been confirmed that an additional 11 trains will be built and there are options for further trains to…

LEVELLING UP funding of about £127.5 million has been provided for four rail projects, including a new line in Wales, a new station in Devon and capacity improvements in London. A total of £50 million has been allocated for Crossrail Cardiff to deliver a new line between Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Central station. Trains will operate via Callaghan Square and this is expected to act as a catalyst for further schemes. Two new platforms will be built at Cardiff Central and another at Cardiff Bay. Transport for Wales Stadler Class 398 tramtrains will operate on the route. A total of £50 million will also be spent creating a new Falmouth to Newquay Mid-Cornwall Metro. This will be a direct service linking four of the county’s largest urban areas (Newquay, St…