Rail improvements for Wales, midlands and the north

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced plans for new bi-mode trains with more seats and better on-board facilities.

The new plans will see passengers in Wales, the midlands and the north get faster and more comfortable journeys quicker.

The new trains are to be set out on the Midland Main Line, Great Western Main Line and in the Lake District.

Modern bi-mode trains will be used on Great Western and Midland Main Line, with passengers in Wales benefiting from new Intercity Express trains which will each deliver over 130 more seats and faster services.

Long distance journey times from Nottingham and Sheffield will also be reduced by up to 20 minutes in the peak, with the train operator in the Lake District beginning work to trial an alternative-fuelled train in this World Heritage Site.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling said: “We are making the biggest investment in the railways since the Victorian era and upgrading services across the country, including in Wales, the midlands and the north.

“Passengers expect and deserve high-quality rail services and we are committed to using the best available technology for each part of the network, delivering significant benefits for those who use our railways.”