WHEN the Welsh government said it wanted an express rail service between North and South Wales, it wasn’t just the train that had to be quick.

Arriva Trains Wales went into overdrive to get the service ready for the promised December launch.

The company had to recruit its first premier class catering staff, including two chefs, to take charge of a buffet car where hot food is cooked and served. It also had to add its first non-standard class fares to the national fares system. The new premier fares are inter-operable with other first class fares, such as those for Virgin’s services in North Wales.

The new train will travel from Holyhead to Cardiff in the morning, omitting some stations. Returning north in the evening, it allows a day’s work in Cardiff or Newport.
The service will use Class 57 locos and four coaches, and ATW started driver familiarisation a month before being awarded the contract.

Initially, drivers based at Holyhead and Crewe will work the service. Many are already familiar with the locos, which have been used for several years to haul Pendolinos between Chester and Holyhead.

Vanessa Schotes, project manager for the new service, told Railnews the chefs were being recruited in South Wales, lodging in Holyhead between turns. “If they were based at Holyhead, they would have a very long day.”

Four customer hosts will be based in North Wales. “We are pleased to be able to offer additional job opportunities at both ends of our network,” Vanessa added.

“It’s been a steep learning curve to prepare for this service so quickly, but it’s an exciting experience. Everyone here is really enthusiastic about pulling out all the stops to make this a fantastic service and a showcase for Arriva Trains Wales.”

Council chiefs in Wrexham have drawn up alternative plans for the new express service to run through the town rather than Crewe.

By starting 30 minutes earlier, Wrexham County Borough Council believes trains could reverse at Chester to serve Wrexham, giving an arrival in Cardiff 35 minutes earlier.