Class 153 in Wales to become active travel vehicles

[whole diary]

[grahame]

from Rail Advent

A consultation has opened regarding modifications to Transport for Wales' fleet of Class 153 trains.

153307, 153318, 153331, 153352, 153968, 153972 could be converted into Active Travel Vehicles. All trains would be reclassified to Class 153/5s following the modifications.

Similar modifications have already been completed in Scotland, with ScotRail operating Class 153s with similar ‘Active Vehicle' modifications.

Once modified, the trains will operate on The Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury as well as other TfW routes.

Details - https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/rail-vehicle-dispensation-transport-for-wales-rail-ltd-active-travel-class-153s/rail-vehicle-dispensation-transport-for-wales-rail-ltd-active-travel-class-153s

[Richard Fairhurst]

It's a really interesting project. The Heart of Wales Line is not a massive area for cycling tourism - there's some MTB/bikepacking usage, and one fairly obscure National Cycle Network route (the Radnor Ring, NCN 825). So it really only makes sense in a growing-the-market type of way. But if they can pull that off then it'll make the line more viable in itself.

[Noggin]

It's a really interesting project. The Heart of Wales Line is not a massive area for cycling tourism - there's some MTB/bikepacking usage, and one fairly obscure National Cycle Network route (the Radnor Ring, NCN 825). So it really only makes sense in a growing-the-market type of way. But if they can pull that off then it'll make the line more viable in itself.

Coincidentally I spotted this the other day - promotion of the cycle route along the River Loire with the TER local rail service beefed up to include plenty of space for bikes. 

https://www.loireavelo.fr/reservation-ter