The Anonymous Widower

Wales Gets Details Of Vivarail’s D-Train

This article on the Walesonline web site is entitled First glimpse at London Underground carriages which could be used on Welsh train lines to ease overcrowding.

It talks about how Arriva Trains Wales have been sent details of Vivarail’s D-Train. This is said.

Vivarail spokesman Alice Gillman says the firm’s engineers believe the refurbished rolling stock would be suitable for lines in Wales including the Heart of Wales Line.

But she said at the moment there had been “no follow up” from the Welsh Government or Arriva Trains Wales.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Ministers have made it clear that any rolling stock used on the next Wales and Borders Franchise and Metro should be of a higher standard. It is up to ATW to manage capacity requirements for the current franchise.”

But perhaps the most interesting part of the article is this vote.

Vivarail Vote In Wales

Now the Welsh are not stupid and so I would suspect this vote is sensible, unless it’s only had a few votes.

So could it be, that those voting have got rather fed up with the trains that are used on the Welsh rail network? Some are not the best trains on the UK’s rail network!

One of the great things about the D-Train, is that once the train is certified and Vivarail have built a few examples, they can be trialled on lines all over the country.

I’ve now read about four or five articles about the D-Train and places where they might be used. None have been hostile, so either Vivarail are doing a good PR job or the concept appeals to serious engineers, train companies, politicians and passengers. At least enough to give the concept a trial with an open mind!

Somebody, asked me when the last truly dreadful train was delivered to the railways of the UK?

I don’t think it’s happened very often since the Pacer trains were delivered in the 1980s. The body shells of the D-Trains may be of a similar vintage, but they are a much better train in the opinions of most commentators.

September 17, 2015 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | D-Train, Pacer, Vivarail, Wales