Transport for Wales has launched the first of its Class 153s refurbished for carrying bikes.
A total of six ‘153s’ are being overhauled to be able to carry up to 10 bicycles and e-bikes on the Heart of Wales line. Only two bikes can be brought aboard existing TfW services.
The units will work in pairs with a standard Class 153, meaning 12 bike spaces will be available per train along with 108 seats, an increase of 42 compared to a regular single carriage train on the route.
The first unit, 153532, entered service in February, with the remaining five due to enter service over the following months up until summer.
All units will carry a specially designed livery too.
TfW’s Project Manager Matthew Payn said it was “an exciting new development for the line”.
“It’s a fantastic example of upcycling, taking an older train and refurbishing it for a new purpose to help more people get out and use their bikes to enjoy some of the best countryside Wales and England has to offer,” he said.
“This is a unique offering for us and an exciting new development for the line and I hope all our customers get to enjoy the service soon.”
ScotRail also converted a series of ‘153s’ 2020. Those units have 20 individual bike racks and 24 seats.
Login to comment
Comments
No comments have been made yet.