Written question WQ99697
- Asked by
- Dan ThomasReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What plans does the Welsh Government have to increase the number of train carriages on all TfW services?
Answer
Answered by Deputy Minister for Transport (Mark Hooper)
The Welsh Government and Transport for Wales are delivering a substantial programme of fleet renewal and network enhancement across the Wales and Borders rail network. Since 2023, more than 90 new trains have entered service, with further vehicles due to be introduced over the coming year. Once all the new trains have been delivered, TfW will have 485 carriages available compared to the 270 inherited from Arriva Trains Wales.
This includes the introduction of additional Class 197 trains on the Cambrian Line and 34 new tram-trains for the South Wales Metro. These investments will enable longer trains on key routes, increase capacity at the busiest times, and support more frequent services across the network.
Alongside these fleet improvements, TfW is continuing to explore further opportunities to increase capacity where demand is greatest. Our investment is delivering more modern, reliable and accessible trains, improving passenger comfort and helping to meet growing demand for rail travel across Wales.