Overview

Arriva Trains Wales was a UK train operating company that ran passenger services across Wales and into parts of England from December 2003 until October 2018. The franchise was awarded to Arriva UK Trains, part of the wider Arriva Group, which was itself owned by Deutsche Bahn during much of the franchise. The operator replaced Wales & Borders and introduced a unified network brand under its distinctive turquoise livery, becoming the principal provider of rail services in Wales for 15 years.

The franchise began in December 2003, inheriting routes previously run by Wales & Borders and parts of Central Trains. Under Arriva’s management, services were consolidated into a single Wales-wide operation. The company worked closely with the Welsh Assembly Government on service planning and investment, though criticism often arose over overcrowding and ageing rolling stock. In October 2018, Arriva Trains Wales was replaced by KeolisAmey Wales, who rebranded the operation as Transport for Wales Rail Services.

Arriva Trains Wales operated the majority of services within Wales, with key routes including the South Wales Main Line between Cardiff and Swansea, the Cambrian Line from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, and the Heart of Wales Line linking Swansea and Shrewsbury. The company also ran the flagship Cardiff to Holyhead route, branded as the Welsh Assembly Government Premier Service, as well as cross-border links to Birmingham, Manchester, Crewe, and Chester. Local services in the Valleys and Cardiff suburban area formed a major part of its operations.

The fleet was made up of a mix of diesel multiple units, including Class 142 and 143 Pacers, Class 150 Sprinters, Class 158 Express Sprinters, and Class 175 Coradia units, with Class 67 locomotives used on the Premier Service. The Class 175 units offered the most modern comfort, with air conditioning and First Class seating, while refurbished Class 158s supported longer-distance regional routes. Onboard facilities varied, with longer services including trolley catering and First Class, while local trains were more basic and designed for short commuter journeys.

Ticketing followed the national fares system, offering Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets, with railcards widely accepted. Seat reservations were available on longer intercity and regional services. Arriva Trains Wales promoted integrated travel, with connections to bus services and ferries, especially in North Wales where links to Holyhead were vital for Irish Sea travel. Despite limited investment in rolling stock, the company aimed to maintain consistent services across a geographically diverse and often challenging network.

Over its 15-year tenure, Arriva Trains Wales faced mixed public perception. It was praised for maintaining extensive rural services, but often criticised for overcrowding, service reliability, and a lack of new rolling stock. The Welsh Government and passengers regularly called for improvements, leading to growing pressure as the franchise neared its end. Despite these issues, Arriva Trains Wales was a familiar brand across Wales and played a key role in keeping communities connected until the handover to Transport for Wales in 2018.

• Arriva Trains Wales introduced the Premier Service between Cardiff and Holyhead in 2005, providing a business-focused intercity link with First Class dining.

• The company’s turquoise and cream livery became a common sight across Wales and cross-border routes into England.

• It was one of the last UK rail franchises to be replaced before the creation of the Welsh Government’s Transport for Wales organisation.

All files listed below are in compressed format and will need to be unpacked with an archiving program, we recommend 7-Zip which is completely free and can be downloaded from here.

• 2003-04 - Winter
• 2004 - Summer
• 2005 - Summer
• 2005-06 - Winter
• 2006 - Summer