Project Profile: Wales & Borders Class 197 DMU Fleet

The introduction of the Class 197 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) fleet represents a cornerstone of Transport for Wales’ (TfW) £800 million investment programme to modernise the Wales and Borders rail network. This project replaced life-expired rolling stock with 77 advanced Civity UK platform trains manufactured by CAF, enhancing passenger capacity, operational performance, and environmental compliance. The fleet became fully operational in 2023, setting a new standard for regional rail services.

Technical Specifications

The Class 197 fleet is engineered on CAF’s Civity UK platform, featuring a lightweight aluminium bodyshell to improve efficiency and reduce track wear. The units are configured as either two-car or three-car sets, offering seating for 116 and 188 passengers respectively in a standard 2×2 layout. A specific sub-fleet (197113-126) is configured for long-distance services with a first-class cabin, seating 174. Each car is powered by a Rolls-Royce/MTU 6H 1800 R85L turbocharged diesel engine, compliant with Euro Stage V emissions standards. This power pack delivers between 375kW and 390kW, coupled to a ZF Ecolife hydro-mechanical transmission. The braking system integrates disc brakes with a hydrodynamic retarder for precise and reliable deceleration. A significant portion of the fleet is equipped with CAF Signalling’s ERTMS Level 2 technology for operation on the Cambrian line, representing a key advancement in the network’s digital signalling capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Passenger Experience: The Class 197 units deliver a substantial upgrade in passenger comfort and accessibility, featuring ergonomic leather seating, advanced climate control, accessible toilets, wider doors, and universal electronic charging points.
• Improved Performance and Sustainability: The adoption of Euro Stage V compliant diesel engines results in significantly lower emissions and improved fuel economy compared to the legacy Class 158 fleet, aligning with TfW’s 2030 carbon neutrality targets.
• Strategic Stakeholder Collaboration: The project’s successful delivery was a result of complex collaboration between TfW, manufacturer CAF, engine supplier Rolls-Royce/MTU, financiers SMBC Leasing and Equitix, and signalling specialist CAF Signalling, demonstrating a robust model for large-scale rolling stock procurement.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Class 197 trains enter service for Transport for Wales?

The Class 197 trains began carrying passengers in late 2022 and were officially launched into service in January 2023, progressively rolling out across the Wales and Borders network.

Who built the new Class 197 trains for Wales?

The Class 197 trains were built by the Spanish manufacturer CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) at their factory in Newport, Wales, as part of a major investment in Welsh manufacturing and the regional supply chain.