Hubbry Logo
British Rail Class 197British Rail Class 197Main
Open search
British Rail Class 197
Community hub
British Rail Class 197
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
British Rail Class 197
British Rail Class 197
from Wikipedia

British Rail Class 197
Civity
A TfW Rail Class 197 at Manchester Piccadilly in 2024
Standard class interior of the Class 197
In service14 November 2022 – present
ManufacturerCAF
Built atNewport, South Wales (body shells imported from Spain)[1]
Family nameCivity
Replaced
Constructed2020–present[2]
Formation2 or 3 cars per unit[3]
(See § Variants)
Capacity
  • 2-car: 116 seats
  • 3-car 2+2-only: 188 seats
  • 3-car with 2+1: 174 seats
    (158 2+2, 16 2+1)[4]
OwnersSMBC Leasing[5] and Equitix[6]
OperatorsTransport for Wales Rail
Depots
Specifications
Train length
  • 2-car: 48.05 m (157 ft 8 in)
  • 3-car: 71.40 m (234 ft 3 in)[7]
Car length
  • DM cars: 24.03 m (78 ft 10 in)
  • MSL cars: 23.35 m (76 ft 7 in)[4]
DoorsDouble-leaf sliding plug
(2 per side per car)[4]
Maximum speed100 mph (160 km/h)
Prime mover(s)MTU[1]
(1 per car)
Engine typeTurbo-diesel
Cylinder count6 per engine
Displacement12.8 L (780 cu in) per engine
Power output
  • 375 kW (503 hp) per engine
  • 2-car: 750 kW (1,010 hp)
  • 3-car: 1,125 kW (1,509 hp)
TransmissionZF EcoLife hydromechanical[note 1][1]
Braking system(s)Electro-pneumatic (disc)
(Knorr-Bremse EP2002)[1]
Safety system(s)
Coupling systemDellner
Multiple workingWithin class
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge

The British Rail Class 197[10] is a class of diesel multiple unit passenger train built by CAF, based on its Civity platform. They are operated by Transport for Wales Rail (TfW), split into 51 two-car units and 26 three-car units.[11]

Seventy-seven Class 197 sets were ordered in 2018 under the franchise obligations made by KeolisAmey Wales, the then-operator of the Wales & Borders franchise. They are based on the Class 195 units that were being received by Arriva Rail North at that time, albeit with various customisations to suit the specification and preferences of KeolisAmey and TfW. This specification was refined to include greater comfort features and to respond to public concerns. Testing of the type commenced shortly after the first completed train arrived at Crewe for commissioning in April 2021.

The first Class 197 set entered service in November 2022 and the type was officially launched two months later. It is planned for the Class 197 to eventually replace Class 158 trains on various regional and regional express routes that form part of the Wales & Borders rail franchise, such as the Cambrian lines. They are also expected to replace Class 150 and 153 units on the Conwy Valley line, and to allow extension of services between Liverpool Lime Street and Chester into both north and south Wales. In February 2024 they were cleared to run on the Maesteg Line and entered service on the Ebbw Valley Line on 29 April 2024.[12][13]

History

[edit]

Background

[edit]

Operator KeolisAmey Wales took over the Wales & Borders franchise from Arriva Trains Wales in October 2018. As part of their franchise award, KeolisAmey were required to fully replace the various fleets of trains used to operate the franchise, several of which had originally been inherited from British Rail.[14] Orders were placed with a number of manufacturers for new units, including one for 77 new Civity-family DMUs from Spanish firm Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF). These were based on the Class 195 units that CAF had started delivering to Arriva Rail North earlier in 2018, and were also assembled at CAF's new factory in Newport.[15] Entry into service was expected between 2021 and 2023.[15] Unlike Class 195 units, however, the TfW-ordered DMUs have gangway connections at their ends, making them look very similar to the Class 196 units operated by West Midlands Trains. The design allowing passengers and crew to move freely between coupled units.

In January 2020, WalesOnline reported that, based on minutes from Transport for Wales board meetings, the organisation had "raised concerns" that the seats specified by KeolisAmey and CAF for the Class 197 order could be considered uncomfortable by passengers. The same model of seat is used on the Class 700 trains employed on Thameslink services in and around London, where some passengers—particularly those making longer journeys—have described them as being like "ironing boards". TfW argued that these would be "unsuitable for long distance journeys", which could last up to three hours on services operated by Class 197 trains, but noted that it did not have a "strong legal argument" to compel KeolisAmey and CAF to change the specification.[16] TfW eventually paid an additional £1.9 million to upgrade to higher-specification Fainsa Sophia seats,[17] although these seats have themselves been the subject of some criticism from passengers of Great Western Railway trains to which they are also fitted.[16][18]

Separately, a passenger advocacy group challenged the fact that TfW had specified only one toilet for each two-car Class 197 unit and two for each three-car unit;[17] a reduction from the one-toilet-per-car configuration on TfW's existing long-distance Class 158 and 175 trains.[4] The group also noted that the Rail Delivery Group's industry guideline for inter-urban trains throughout the UK states that there should be at least one toilet per 85 passengers, and a minimum of two toilets per train regardless of passenger capacity; but that two-car 197s would satisfy neither of these recommendations and that three-car 197s could exceed the 85-passengers-per-toilet ratio when near to fully loaded.[17] TfW stated in response that many services would be operated by two-car Class 197s working as pairs, reducing the number of potential single-toilet services.[19]

Entry to service

[edit]
Diesel multiple-unit train number 197125 in service, Transport for Wales, Llandudno Junction station, May 2024.

During December 2019, the Class 197 designation was assigned and, on 14 April 2021, the first completed train—a two-car unit numbered 197001—arrived at Crewe for commissioning.[20][21] Testing of the type commenced soon thereafter.[22] On 18 January 2022, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) granted authorisation for 20 two-car and 12 three-car Class 197 sets to enter passenger use; these initial units were not equipped to use the European Train Control System (ETCS).[3][23]

Unit 197004 was the first to enter passenger service, doing so on 14 November 2022.[24] That same month, the ORR authorised 21 Class 197 units fitted with CAF Signalling’s onboard ETCS at Baseline 3 Release 2 and GSM-R Baseline 1 for operation in ETCS Level 2 and below under recently-introduced regulations.[23] During January 2023, the Class 197 was officially launched at a ceremony officiated by Minister for North Wales Lesley Griffiths and held at Llandudno railway station.[25][26]

Phased introduction

[edit]

2022

[edit]

The fleet's introduction was phased. During late 2022, the Class 197 was initially used only on the Conwy Valley line in a part of North Wales.[27]

2023

[edit]

By February 2023, the Class 197 was introduced on services between Manchester Airport in North-West England and Llandudno in North Wales and on services between Liverpool Lime Street and Chester, both in North-West England,[27] as well as on North Wales Main Line services.

By late 2023, the Class 197 had been introduced on services between Manchester Piccadilly in North-West England and Swansea in West Wales, via the Welsh Marches line.[28]

By November 2023, the Class 197 had been introduced in service between Swansea and Carmarthen in West Wales.[29]

In November 2023, the Class 197 started working between Wrexham and Bidston on the North Wales/North-West England Borderlands line, alongside the Class 230s, due to unreliability of the Class 230s.[30]

In December 2023, the Class 197 began operating services to Fishguard Harbour and Milford Haven, their previous limit in West Wales having been Carmarthen.[31]

2024

[edit]

In April 2024, the Class 197 entered service on the Ebbw Valley Railway, the Maesteg Line and services between Cardiff and Cheltenham Spa, including the subsequent different working of these services from December 2024, though this is only temporary until they are replaced by the Class 231s, which will be made available when the Class 756s replace the Class 231 units on the main South Wales Valleys network.[32][33]

In June 2024, the Class 197 started to be used on services to Pembroke Dock in West Wales.[34]

2025

[edit]

In February 2025, the Class 197 started working between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International in the West Midlands of England, on services between Holyhead in North Wales and Birmingham, as well as between Shrewsbury and Birmingham as part of Cambrian Line services between Aberystwyth in Mid-West Wales / Aberystwyth & Pwllheli in North Wales and Birmingham (until the Class 197 units enter service on the Cambrian Line itself - see below - a change of train between Class 158 and Class 197 is made at Shrewsbury).[35]

Future plans

[edit]

The next planned Class 197 introduction will be the ETCS-fitted units on the Cambrian Line (between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth, and its coastal branch between Machynlleth in Mid Wales and Pwllheli) in September 2026,[36] following prior preparation, including the commencement of Class 197 ETCS testing on the line by June 2022,[37] and the completion of type testing in November 2024.[38]

In September 2025, it was announced that TfW has submitted an application to the Office of Rail and Road to run Class 197-operated services between Fishguard Harbour/Milford Haven/Carmarthen and Bristol Temple Meads, via stations including Swansea, Cardiff Central, Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Filton Abbey Wood and Stapleton Road. If approved, these services would start in September 2026.[39]

Fleet details

[edit]
Subclass Operator Qty. Year built Cars Unit nos. Notes
197/0 Transport for Wales Rail 30 2020–pres. 2 197001–197002, 197004–197021, 197042–197051[40] Without ETCS
21 197003, 197022–197041[41] With ETCS
197/1 12 3 197101–197112[40] 2+2 seating only
14 197113–197126[42] With a small portion of 2+1 seating

Variants

[edit]

The order for the fleet is divided into four variants, as follows:[40]

  • 30 units formed of two cars (DMSL-DMS) with 2+2 standard-class seating only, without ETCS;
  • 21 units formed of two cars (DMSL-DMS) with 2+2 standard-class seating only, with ETCS;[note 2]
  • 12 units formed of three cars (DMSL-MSL-DMS) with 2+2 standard-class seating only, without ETCS;[40]
  • 14 units formed of three cars (DMSL-MSL-DMC) with a small portion of 2+1 seating (intended for the abandoned Standard Plus; declassified to standard class), without ETCS. These are primarily intended for use between Swansea and Manchester.[4]

Two-car units will be able to run in multiple with up to three other two-car units, while three-car units will be able to run in multiple with up to two other three-car units.[4]

Named and notable units

[edit]

TfW organised the Magnificent Train Journey competition, aimed at primary school children, to name its Class 197 units.[25]

  • 197001: Robin Goch Philadelphia / Philadelphia Robin[44][45]
  • 197004: Ddraig Goch Vancouver / Vancouver Red Dragon[44][45]
  • 197007: Happy Valley[46]
  • 197049: Castell Caeriw Cyflym / Carew Castle Express[47]
  • 197119: Mistar Urdd[48]
  • 197125: The Cheltenham Spa Express[49]


Additionally, 197120, although not named on nameplates, carries "Gwnaed yng Nghymru / Made in Wales" livery additions with large Welsh Dragons on its DMSL and DMC vehicles that further emphasise the same text statement that is on the door sill plaques of all 197s.[50]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The British Rail Class 197 is a class of (DMU) passenger trains manufactured by Spanish rolling stock builder (CAF) and operated by the Welsh government-owned (TfW). Based on CAF's Civity platform, the Class 197 fleet is designed for regional and services across and the Borders, offering enhanced capacity, lower emissions, and modern passenger amenities compared to the older Class 158 trains it replaces. In 2018, TfW awarded CAF a contract worth £800 million to supply 77 Class 197 units—comprising 51 two-car sets and 26 three-car sets—as part of a broader fleet modernization program to improve reliability and comfort on key routes. Production began at CAF's Newport plant in , with the first unit rolling off the line in May 2021 following extensive design and testing. The type entered passenger service in November 2022 on the Conwy Valley line, with an official launch event in January 2023; by mid-2025, over 60 units were operational, including extensions to services reaching Birmingham International. The two-car variants seat 116 passengers in standard class, while three-car units accommodate up to 188 standard class seats (or 174 with dedicated first-class accommodation on certain routes like to ). Each car is powered by an MTU Series 1800 delivering 390 kW (523 hp), enabling a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h), and meets stringent Euro Stage V emissions requirements for reduced environmental impact. Notable features include wider doors for easier access, dedicated spaces, accessible toilets, smart digital seat reservations, USB and plug sockets at every seat, and Eleather upholstery for enhanced comfort. A subset of 21 two-car units is equipped with the (ETCS) Baseline 3.0 for safe operation on the lines from , with full entry into service planned for late 2025, with testing on the lines beginning in November 2025.

History

Background

The Wales & Borders rail franchise was established in December 2003, when it was awarded to for a 15-year period under the 's franchising system managed by the Strategic Rail Authority. During Arriva's operation, passenger journeys across the network grew significantly, increasing by approximately 60% from the franchise's inception to around 26 million annually by the mid-2010s. This expansion reflected broader trends in rail usage in , with journeys within the region rising annually from 1995-96 to a peak of 31.1 million in 2018-19. In June 2018, following a competitive dialogue process, the Welsh Government devolved control of the franchise and awarded a new 15-year contract to KeolisAmey Wales, which was nationalized in February 2021 with operations transferred to the Welsh Government-owned Transport for Wales Rail, effective from October 2018, emphasizing investment in infrastructure and fleet renewal as part of greater Welsh autonomy over rail services. The operator inherited an aging fleet dominated by Class 150 Sprinter and Class 158 Express Sprinter diesel multiple units, many dating from the 1980s and 1990s, which struggled with rising demand and led to widespread overcrowding. Reliability was a particular concern, with Class 150 units averaging just 6,507 miles between faults in late 2018, contributing to service disruptions and passenger dissatisfaction amid the network's growth. Early modernization efforts prioritized electrification to address environmental and capacity goals, but the network's extensive non-electrified routes—spanning north and , the borders, and rural branches—necessitated continued use of diesel units for operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness in the short term. In 2018, the announced the Core Valley Lines project as a key component of the initiative, backed by £738 million in funding to electrify and upgrade lines to , , Treherbert, , and Coryton, aiming to transform regional connectivity. This project directly supported fleet modernization by facilitating the introduction of electric trains on core urban routes while requiring diesel units, such as the Class 197 based on the platform, to replace older stock on unelectrified services and ensure comprehensive network renewal.

Ordering and construction

In 2018, , the operator of the and Borders rail franchise, placed an order with Spanish manufacturer CAF for 77 Class 197 diesel multiple units on behalf of , comprising 51 two-car sets and 26 three-car sets to serve non-electrified routes across and the border areas. This procurement formed a key element of a broader £800 million investment in new to modernize the fleet. Construction of the Class 197 units took place at CAF's dedicated manufacturing facility in , which opened in 2018 and focused on final assembly after bodyshells were produced at CAF's plant in , . Work on the bodyshells began in early 2020, with the first completed in February of that year and shipped to Newport for integration of components such as engines, interiors, and systems. Production ramped up progressively, with the first complete unit rolling off the line in May 2021. As part of the build process, allocated an additional £1.9 million for customizations, including upgraded Fainsa Sophia seating to improve passenger comfort over the initially proposed specification. The testing regime for the Class 197 fleet included static verification at CAF's Newport site in early 2021, followed by the transfer of the first two-car unit (197001) to on 14 April 2021 for commissioning and dynamic trials. Mainline testing commenced shortly thereafter, involving route proving runs on the network to validate performance, braking, and systems integration under operational conditions. However, the program encountered delays stemming from global supply chain disruptions during the , which affected component availability and extended the timeline for initial deliveries from mid-2021 to late 2022.

Entry into service

The first completed Class 197 unit, numbered 197001, arrived at the Traincare depot in for commissioning and testing in April 2021. Following delivery, the units underwent extensive testing, including (ETCS) integration trials between and starting in June 2022. Driver and crew training programs were implemented in preparation for operations, utilizing simulators for familiarization with the train management system and fault procedures. Initial certification was granted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) in January 2022 for key subsystems under the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations, confirming compliance with essential requirements including features such as dedicated wheelchair spaces and wider doors. oversaw infrastructure compatibility testing, with further ORR authorisation for the ETCS variant issued in November 2022, enabling safe integration into the network. These approvals, combined with completed , paved the way for operational readiness. Unit 197001 entered passenger service on 14 November 2022, operating on the Valley line between and as part of a . The official launch event took place on 26 January 2023 at station, officiated by Minister for Lesley Griffiths MS, marking a milestone in ' fleet modernization. Early operations focused on building reliability, with subsequent units following a phased rollout plan. By mid-2025, over 60 units were in passenger service across various routes, including extensions to Birmingham International. As of November 2025, testing continued for the ETCS-fitted units on the lines, with full operational entry anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026.

Design

Technical specifications

The British Rail Class 197 is a constructed on the platform, featuring a for efficient regional operations. Each powered vehicle incorporates a single Rolls-Royce MTU 6H 1800 R85L 12.8-litre six-cylinder turbocharged compliant with Stage V emissions standards, rated at 375 kW. The engine drives a ZF Ecolife hydro-mechanical transmission connected to one per car, with each car featuring a powered in both configurations. This setup delivers a total power output of 750 kW for two-car units and 1,125 kW for three-car units, supporting a maximum operating speed of 100 mph (160 km/h). The units achieve acceleration rates comparable to or slightly better than predecessor Class 175 trains up to 60 mph, contributing to reliable service intervals on regional routes. is enhanced through modern engine technology, resulting in lower emissions and reduced consumption relative to older diesel multiple units like the Class 158 and 175.
ConfigurationLengthPowered VehiclesTotal Power Output
Two-car48.05 m2750 kW
Three-car71.40 m31,125 kW
The bogies are inside-framed designs with disc brakes for effective stopping power, paired with a suspension system that prioritizes stability and comfort on varied track conditions. Electrical systems include advanced , , and passenger information displays, with the units designed primarily for diesel operation on non-electrified lines.

Passenger accommodations

The Class 197 units provide seating for 116 passengers in the two-car variant and 188 in the three-car variant configured entirely in a 2+2 layout, while three-car units with a 2+1 layout in one section offer 174 seats overall. All seating is in standard class, featuring Eleather upholstery—a sustainable, stain-resistant alternative to traditional —with enhanced padding for comfort on longer Welsh routes. Power sockets and USB charging points are available at each seat to support passenger connectivity. Accessibility features include two dedicated spaces per unit, accessible toilets (one in two-car units and two in three-car units), and wider doors facilitating step-free access where station infrastructure allows. Audio-visual passenger information systems provide bilingual announcements in English and Welsh, along with customer information screens throughout the interiors. Amenities encompass modern air-conditioning and heating systems for year-round comfort, free onboard , and dedicated luggage storage areas including space for a refreshment trolley. Each unit accommodates up to four bicycles in a designated rack-free area, enhancing utility for cyclists on regional services. Sustainability elements in the passenger areas include the eco-friendly Eleather seating and energy-efficient interior lighting, contributing to reduced environmental impact without compromising comfort.

Operations

Phased introduction

The phased introduction of the British Rail Class 197 fleet for commenced in November 2022, structured in stages to systematically replace older while minimizing service disruptions across the and Borders network. Phase 1 prioritized routes, beginning with a preview service on the Conwy Valley line in autumn 2022 and progressing to full passenger operations from 14 November, enabling the deployment of initial units to enhance capacity on key regional lines. By the end of 2023, 10 units had entered service in this phase, supporting the progressive integration into daily timetables. Phase 2 shifted focus to the from mid-2023, where Class 197 units began supplementing services alongside the new Class 756 tri-mode electrics on electrified sections of the Core Valleys Lines, ensuring seamless as advanced. This stage addressed higher passenger volumes in commuter corridors by pairing diesel flexibility with electric efficiency, with units progressively allocated to routes like those serving by early 2024. The strategy emphasized coordinated scheduling to maintain reliability during the transition. Delivery of the full 77-unit fleet is on track for completion in 2025 under the £800 million investment program, with all units expected to be operational across by the end of 2026. Concurrently, the introduction facilitated the progressive withdrawal of Class 150 and Class 153 Sprinter units through 2024, with Class 150s cascading out at a rate of approximately one every two months to avoid capacity gaps, while select Class 153s were retained or modified for niche services like the . Integration challenges included necessary infrastructure adaptations, such as modifications to the Cardiff Canton depot to accommodate maintenance requirements for the Class 197 alongside Class 756 and other new stock, involving upgrades like AdBlue facilities for diesel emissions control. These enhancements ensured operational readiness but required careful phasing to mitigate delays in the rollout.

Current routes and services

The Class 197 diesel multiple units primarily operate long-distance and regional services across the network, focusing on key corridors in and the borders. Principal routes include the to service via and on the Marches Line, providing connections between and . Another major route is to Central, serving the North Wales Coast Line and linking Ireland's ferry port with the Welsh capital. On the Ebbw Valley Railway, Class 197 units handle shuttle services between Central and Ebbw Vale Town, with typical stopping patterns at intermediate stations such as Newport, Pye Corner, and Rogerstone to accommodate local demand. These trains also cover other regional duties, such as to Maesteg on the Maesteg Line and extensions to Cheltenham Spa via the Mainline. Daily diagrams typically involve 4-6 return trips on long-distance routes like Manchester-Swansea, with peak-hour frequencies reaching hourly during weekdays on the Holyhead- corridor. Integration with older fleets, including Class 158 units, occurs on mixed diagrams where Class 197s handle express segments while Class 158s cover shorter branches, enabling phased fleet renewal without service disruptions. Expansions have progressed significantly by late 2025, with Birmingham International to Holyhead services becoming fully operational in February 2025 using Class 197s for the full route via and . The introduction on the is planned for 2026, with training exercises commencing in November 2025, deploying two-car ETCS-equipped units on Birmingham to and services following ETCS type testing completion. Future plans include a new to service starting in September 2026, operated by two-car Class 197s with nine return trips daily, enhancing connectivity to . As of November 2025, deliveries of the 77-unit fleet are complete, with the majority in service across various routes. Post-2024 upgrades to the fleet, including enhanced engine management systems, have contributed to ' overall performance improvements, with punctuality rising by 8.1% in the to 2024 period compared to the previous year—the largest gain among operators. Reliability on Class 197-operated routes has supported a 27% year-on-year increase in spring 2024, reflecting greater capacity and comfort.

Fleet details

Variants

The British Rail Class 197 diesel multiple units are produced in two primary variants to suit different operational needs within the network: the two-car Class 197/0 and the three-car Class 197/1. The Class 197/0 comprises 51 two-car units, numbered 197001 to 197051, designed for shorter services with a total of 116 standard class passengers. These units feature a formation of two power cars, providing all-axle power for efficient performance on rural and valley routes such as the Conwy Valley and lines. In contrast, the Class 197/1 includes 26 three-car units, numbered 197101 to 197126, of which 12 have a of 188 standard class passengers and 14 have 158 standard class seats plus 16 first-class seats (total 174 seats), optimized for longer inter-urban services. Their formation consists of two power cars and one intermediate trailer car (TS or TSO), with no driving trailers, enabling higher capacity on main line routes like those connecting to and . All 77 units were constructed by CAF from 2021 to 2025 at their Newport facility, with later batches incorporating minor software enhancements, including ETCS compatibility for a sub-fleet of 21 units primarily allocated to the . The two-car variants are preferentially deployed on rural valley branches for their compact size and agility, while three-car units handle higher-demand main line and inter-urban corridors to maximize passenger throughput.

Ownership and liveries

The Class 197 fleet is owned by a comprising SMBC Leasing and Equitix, which provides long-term leasing to as part of an £800 million investment in new for the & Borders network. Maintenance responsibilities are fulfilled by CAF under a 10-year , ensuring comprehensive support for the 77-unit fleet. The trains are primarily based at depots in , Canton, and to facilitate servicing and stabling across the operational area. All Class 197 units are painted in the standard livery, characterized by a white body with red doors and orange accents, introduced upon delivery from 2022 onward. The order originated under the previous franchise, but units entered service after the 2021 transition to public ownership, avoiding any transitional branding. Several units feature names reflecting Welsh heritage and international connections, including 197001 "Robin Goch ," 197004 "Ddraig Goch ," and 197007 "Happy Valley."

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.