TfW says goodbye to last Pacer trains

Transport for Wales has said goodbye to the last Pacer trains after more than 30 years of service, marking the end of an era for Britain’s railways.

The final Class 143 trains – 143601 and 143609 – ran their last services on the South Wales valleys network on Saturday 29 May, having operated the equivalent of over five trips to the Moon and back during their working lives.

The Pacers have now been replaced by larger, more modern trains with better accessibility. TfW is also pressing ahead with building brand new trains for the Wales and Borders network and the South Wales Metro, which will begin to enter service in 2022.

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO, said: “The end of the long service of our Pacer trains marks a key step in the transformation of the Valley Lines, as part of the development of the South Wales Metro. While the Pacers have worked hard throughout our network over the last 30 years, our customers deserve more modern trains that provide better facilities, improved accessibility and a more comfortable ride.

“We’re working hard behind the scenes to deliver brand new trains to replace the existing fleet, which will provide more capacity and faster, greener journeys in years to come. In the interim, we have introduced the larger Class 769 trains which provide increased capacity and an improved customer experience.”

TfW began withdrawing its Pacers back in December 2020. However, not all of them are heading for the scrapyard. One Pacer has already been donated to the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway in Carmarthenshire, and several more will be donated to heritage railways and community projects over the coming weeks.

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED…

Swansea

Swansea revealed as one of the most organised cities in UK when preparing for a holiday

2nd June 20232nd June 2023

Tourism

Change of heart as almost 20% of UK travellers stay closer to home

3rd February 20233rd February 2023

Health and Care

Nip-tuck holidays could cost Brits more than they bargained for warns insurer

21st January 202321st January 2023

YOU MAY HAVE MISSED…

Trimsaran

Trimsaran ‘deluded and ill-tempered’ driver who ‘used car as a weapon’ is jailed

24th November 202324th November 2023

Motoring

Swansea is in the top 10 UK cities for drunk driving – is Gen Z to blame?

14th November 202314th November 2023

Animals

Motorists warned belt up pups or face up to £5,000 and 9 penalty points

13th October 202313th October 2023