HomeFranchise NewsArriva Trains Wales completes £500,000 makeover of Class 142 and 143 fleet

Arriva Trains Wales completes £500,000 makeover of Class 142 and 143 fleet

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Arriva Trains Wales has completed a £500,000 refurbishment of its fleet of Class 142 and 143 Pacer DMUs.

The 30 two-carriage trains, which operate on the Valley lines, have been repainted and have had free wi-fi installed too.

In October, the existing Wales and Borders franchise is due to expire. Despite withdrawing from the bidding process for the next franchise, Arriva Trains Wales said it’s important that it continues to invest alongside Network Rail and the Welsh Government.

Engineering director Simon Hughes added that the company’s older trains, including the Valleys fleet, “need to be cared for to ensure that we provide the best possible experience from our available rolling stock.”


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Photo: Arriva Trains Wales.
Photo: Arriva Trains Wales.

He added: “In order to sustain our commitment to provide high-quality service to customers, we have invested in refurbishing the carriages and hope that passengers using the network will notice a real difference to the facilities.

“Our customers are extremely important to us and we do our best to take their feedback on board, so we’re glad that some of their suggestions could be incorporated into the redevelopment plans.”

The rollout of free wi-fi is part of a wider programme funded by the Welsh Government and the Department for Transport.

A final decision on who will run the next Wales and Borders franchise is due in early 2018.

Photo: Arriva Trains Wales.
Photo: Arriva Trains Wales.

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