First new trains enter service on the Cambrian Coast Line
posted on 24th Oct 2026 08:58
On 22 October 2026, a new era for rail travel in North and Mid Wales has begun as Transport for Wales’ first new Class 197 DMUs enter passenger service on the Cambrian Coast Line. The new Civity UK units built in Wales are replacing trains that have served the route for more than 30 years, offering customers a more comfortable, modern and accessible journey between Machynlleth and Pwllheli.
Customers will benefit from faster Wi-Fi, at-seat power points, bilingual digital information screens and modern air-conditioning, alongside a fully accessible toilet and dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility. The introduction is part of the Welsh Government’s 800 million GBP investment in brand-new trains across Wales and the borders. The Class 197 fleet has been equipped to operate with the specialist signalling system used on the Cambrian Line, paving the way for more of the new trains to join the route over the coming months.
To prepare for the wider roll-out, TfW has also raised sections of the platforms at six stations along the Cambrian line, helping wheelchair users and customers with reduced mobility to get on and off the trains more easily. The new trains are being introduced on the Cambrian Coast first. Until late 2026, customers travelling between the Cambrian Coast and Shrewsbury or Birmingham need to change trains at Machynlleth. Journeys between Aberystwyth and Birmingham won’t be affected.
The first three Class 197 DMUs have been introduced on the Cambrian Coast Line, with more trains set to follow over the coming months, introduced onto the wider Cambrian line, between Birmingham, Machynlleth and Aberystwyth.
