All aboard! Swansea’s seafront land train has started its new season

They’ll take thousands of passengers on trips between Mumbles and Blackpill through the warmer months.

Retired teacher Geoff Davies and retired police officer Andy Maslin are part of the small team of drivers and conductors employed on a part-time seasonal basis by the council.

Geoff has driven the train for the past eight years, Andy joined the team last summer.

Geoff said: “I love meeting people who ride the train and have become good friends with some of them. Some see it as a really magical experience.

“It’s a fun, relaxing way for people to enjoy the prom and the scenery – and the job allows us to be ambassadors for Swansea; we’re always happy to give tips on the best places to eat, drink and visit.”

Andy said: “I got to know the land train as a customer when I took my three grandsons on it; now it’s a really sociable way for me to enjoy retirement.

“The service gives a lot of pleasure to a lot of people – they range from grandparents on a day out with their youngest relatives to parents visiting their children who’re working or studying in Swansea.”

Andy, who in an unconnected role drives a vintage red London Routemaster bus, and Geoff, who’s also a coastguard rescue officer at Oxwich, also find themselves welcoming school trips and being called on to help people having difficulties on and around the prom.

Geoff said: “All my colleagues in the land train team are as good as gold – some of us have helped out when first aid is needed and others when cyclists have a bike that’s beyond repair.”

The Swansea Bay Land Rider Train opened on Friday, March 31.

It’s running daily from 10.30am-5pm through the Easter holidays and will run for various periods until September 24, including daily until 5.40pm during the school summer holidays.

The 72-seat service – run by the council – runs from Blackpill Lido to Mumbles along Swansea Prom, is fully accessible to wheelchair users and allows well-behaved dogs to ride with their owners.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Thousands of people enjoy using our Swansea Bay Rider every year; it gives everybody the chance to travel along Swansea Prom in style!

“It gives passengers an incredible view of Swansea Bay whether they want to soak up the sights and simply enjoy a relaxing journey after a day of fun.

“We’re grateful to Geoff, Andy, our other crew members and other council officers who make this service such a great success year in year out.”

The service has four stops this season – Blackpill, West Cross, Norton and Mumbles.

The route is shorter this year, with the Mumbles terminus close to the Oystermouth Square car park. However, the frequency is greater.

The council say these changes have been made to accommodate contractors working on parts of the prom to strengthen and upgrade the Mumbles sea wall, which date back around 120 years.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)