Avanti West Coast takes over long-distance train services – “New era for rail services in North Wales”

Avanti West Coast has taken over the operation of long-distance train services in North Wales, heralding a ‘new era’ with new trains and more services to and from England.

To mark the occasion in the presence of Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy and Transport and key stakeholders from across Wales, a train bearing the Avanti West Coast branding visited Wrexham General station yesterday.

Avanti say their triangular logo symbolises the three geographic points of the West Coast Main Line that includes the connections between communities in North Wales and cities across England and Scotland.

Avanti West Coast says it will make “significant improvements to rail services in North Wales.”

Improvements include a new fleet of “quieter, more accessible and greener” bi-mode trains in 2022 on the Holyhead to London Euston route that also serves Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Llandudno Junction, Flint, Prestatyn and Rhyl.

The new trains promise to have free Wi-Fi, at-seat wireless inductive charging for electronic devices, plug and USB sockets, a new catering offer and a real-time passenger information system.

Avanti West Coast says it will be withdrawing the diesel Super Voyager trains and cutting CO2 emissions by more than 60%. There will be more train services between North Wales and England including an additional service from Llandudno to London Euston from December 2020. From December 2022, new direct services from Gobowen (via Wrexham) to London Euston that provides a rail link for nearby Oswestry on the England-Wales border

There will be enhanced Welsh language provision for Welsh-speaking customers including announcements on Avanti West Coast train services in North Wales and ‘Delay Repay 15’ compensation for customers when trains are delayed by 15 minutes or more.

Ken Skates AM, Welsh Government Minister for Economy and Transport said: “I’m pleased to welcome the start of the Avanti West Coast franchise and the increased services it will provide here in North Wales, as well as improved links to future high speed rail services. It is good to see the commitment to partnership working and I look forward to having meaningful engagement in the process for developing services to be delivered in the future.

“A commitment to work with Transport for Wales will ensure both franchises work collaboratively for passengers and stakeholders to deliver integrated services that meet the needs of Welsh customers fairly and equitably. We want to see improved services and connections for the people of North Wales that will deliver long-term benefits and I’m pleased to see the introduction of a new fleet of greener trains.”

Cllr David A Bithell, who is also the chair of Economic Ambition Board Transport Group, said he welcomed the investment in new services in North Wales and Wrexham and from 2022 new service which will serve Wrexham and Gobowen, “Wrexham council continues to lobby for better and faster services linking Wales, Wrexham to London and we welcome this investment in Rail services.”

Steve Montgomery, Managing Director of First Rail said: “Our plans for new, greener trains, and for more services and new destinations will significantly enhance the quality of rail journeys for our customers travelling in and beyond North Wales. Avanti West Coast will work collaboratively with stakeholders and strategic partners such as Transport for Wales to bring communities across our network closer together.”

Ernesto Sicilia, Managing, Director of Trenitalia (UK), said: “We’re honoured to begin operating rail services between Wales and England. Avanti represents our progressive and innovative values of quality, dynamism and innovation: this is what we want to guarantee to the people of North Wales”.

Top pic: Minister Ken Skates AM, Carolyn Thomas Deputy Leader Flintshire Council, Cllr David A Bithell Lead Member Environment and Transport Wrexham Council – with new branded train behind!