Premier Service

Premier Service
57315 at Newport in June 2009
Overview
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 3
Mark 3 DVT

The Premier Service is a passenger service operated by Transport for 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. 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 (ATW).[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. 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]

Services

The Premier Service departs Holyhead at 05:30, returning from Cardiff Central at 17:16.[7] 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 ATW service to offer first-class accommodation.

It originally ran via Crewe but from September 2012 was rerouted via Wrexham General, requiring the train to change direction at Chester in addition to having its evening departure moved from 16:15.

In December 2014, the Premier Service was renamed to be the Business Class Service in an attempt by ATW to make the service more appealing to those travelling to and from Cardiff to work. Ticket prices remain the same and are still sold as first class, and the restaurant service remains although tablecloths and antimacassars have been removed to promote a more work-like environment.

References

  1. ↑ "ATW to launch Holyhead-Cardiff service" Rail issue 603 22 October 2008 page 21
  2. ↑ "Go-ahead for new North-South Wales service" Today's Railways UK issue 84 December 2008 page 7
  3. ↑ "New Service Links North and South Wales" The Railway Magazine issue 1294 February 2009 page 9
  4. ↑ "57s solo on WAG express" Today's Railways UK issue 88 April 2009 page 58
  5. ↑ "Ex-Cargo-D Mk 3s refurbished and ready for duty with Arriva Trains Wales" Rail issue 708 31 October 2012 page 26
  6. ↑ Service Improvements Government of Wales
  7. ↑ "Business Class North to South Wales Service Timetable". www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-06-06.
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