Premier Service
The Premier Service is a passenger train service operated by Transport for Wales between Holyhead and Cardiff in Wales.
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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 |
History
On 15 December 2008, the Premier Service commenced operating between Holyhead and Cardiff Central. 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.[1][2]
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.[3] By February 2009, the service was being operated by a single Class 57.[4]
In March 2012, the Class 57s were replaced by DB Schenker Class 67s.[5] The Mark 2 carriages were replaced with Mark 3s at the same time.[6] 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.[7]
In October 2018, operation of the Premier Service passed with the Wales & Borders franchise to Transport for Wales.[8] In March 2020, the service was suspended due to the COVID 19 pandemic with the Mark 3s withdrawn.[9][10] When it resumes it will be operated by Class 67 hauling Mark 4s.[11][12]
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.[13]
References
- "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
- First Class Transport for Wales