A BRAND new train in service on the Conwy Valley Line welcomed its first passengers on board.
Transport For Wales (TfW) have spent £800 million on new trains throughout their network.
The Class 197s are currently going through an introductory period ahead of a former launch.
Railway enthusiast Ryan Lloyd, of Llandudno, was one of the passengers on the new train on Monday, November 14.
He said: "The Class 197s have now started on the Conwy Valley Line today [Blaenau Ffestiniog to Llandudno]. The first service of the day was the 5.30am from Llandudno Junction and then 7.40am from Llandudno Junction.
"The service was busy for most of the day, a massive improvement on the seating making it a comfortable journey on the Conwy Valley Line."
The new trains provide an increase in capacity, reduced emissions and enhanced comfort onboard. TfW say it will allow them to run faster and more frequent services to key routes including to destinations such as Holyhead, Fishguard and Liverpool.
The trains offer leather seats, modern air conditioning systems, wider doors and customer information screens. They have also been fitted with electronic charging points and disability features for those with limited mobility.
The trains have been made in Wales at the CAF factory in Newport.
A Transport for Wales spokesperson said: “Our new Class 197 trains have been four years in the making, and we’re incredibly proud and excited to have welcomed our passengers onto them this week on the Conwy Valley Line.
“The trains are currently going through an introductory period. This will be followed up with a formal launch in the new year, after which they will appear on more routes throughout the Wales and Borders network.”
Philip Evans, chair of the Conwy Valley and North West Wales Community Rail Partnership, said: "I welcome the unit into service and hope it offers a consistent service to connect our communities and support sustainable tourism."
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