Arriva Trains Wales, working with the Welsh Government and Transport for Wales, have begun an 18-month programme to modernise its fleet.
The investment will see fully accessible toilets, additional wheelchair space, door modifications and toilet retention tanks all fitted to the fleet of 150 and 158 diesel trains.
The Cambrian Line, which runs from Machynlleth to Aberystwyth/Pwllheli, will become the first line in Wales where no toilets flush onto the tracks.
To make it possible, the Welsh Government is investing nearly £200,000 towards new equipment for Machynlleth Traincare Depot to empty those train retention tanks.
What did the officials say?
Arriva Trains Wales Managing Director Tom Joyner said:
“We are passionate about making rail travel accessible for everyone, no matter what their mobility needs.
“We have worked hard do deliver a comprehensive plan for these trains and customers can look forward to enjoying these benefits soon.
“This investment will go a long way to achieving those goals and shows a commitment to leave the rail industry in the best possible position at the end of the Arriva Trains Wales franchise.”
Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates AM said:
“We are pleased to see the work starting on the improvement of the passenger facilities on these trains, ensuring all 120 carriages meet the accessibility requirements prior to 2020. Our investment into enhanced facilities at Machynlleth depot will ensure that the class 158 trains continue to be maintained locally to the route and passengers they predominantly serve.”
Stephen McGurk, Porterbrook's Chief Commercial Officer said:
“Porterbrook is investing over £10m in accessibility improvements to our fleet of 36 Class 150 trains operated by Arriva Trains Wales.
“We are particularly pleased to be able to involve the local supply chain in this work with the brand-new, fully-accessible, toilet modules being made by ‘Precision Custom Composites' of Cwmbran.”
Malcolm Brown, CEO Angel Trains:
“We are pleased to see work get underway on the modernisation of the Class 158 and 150 fleets. We are committed to working with the industry to make rail travel more accessible for all passengers and lessen its environmental impact.”
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