Premier Service
.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Service type | Passenger train |
| First service | 15 December 2008 |
| Current operator(s) | Arriva Trains Wales |
| Route | |
| Termini | Holyhead 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 | Mark 3 |
The Premier Service is a passenger service operated by Arriva Trains Wales between Holyhead and Cardiff in Wales.
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. It was the only service operated by Arriva Trains Wales to have first class accommodation. Grand Central and Wrexham & Shropshire expressed an interest in operating the service, however the contract was awarded to 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. It originally ran via Crewe but following the introduction of Driving Van Trailers from September 2012 was rerouted via Wrexham General, requiring the train to change direction at Chester. The Mark 2 carriages were replaced with Mark 3s at the same time.[5]
In October 2018, operation of the Premier Service will pass with the Wales & Borders franchise to KeolisAmey Wales. The Mark 3s are to be replaced with Mark 4s in 2019.[6]
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
- ^ "Ex-Cargo-D Mk 3s refurbished and ready for duty with Arriva Trains Wales" Rail issue 708 31 October 2012 page 26
- ^ Service Improvements Government of Wales