Pacer trains taken off Valleys lines after 30 years

The last Pacer trains have been taken off railway lines across the Valleys after more than 30 years.

The Class 143 trains ran their last services on the Valleys network on Saturday, with Transport for Wales (TfW) upgrading them with newer trains.

The Class 769 trains, which have a larger capacity than the phased-out Pacer trains, have been introduced on the Valleys lines by TfW in recent months.

The 769 trains will be in service until 2023, by which time the new Class 756 tri-mode trains are expected to be operating.

The Class 756 trains will be introduced as part of the South Wales Metro project, which has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

TfW CEO James Price, said: “The end of the long service of our Pacer trains marks a key step in the transformation of the valley lines, as part of the development of the South Wales Metro.

“While the Pacers have worked hard throughout our network over the last 30 years, our customers deserve more modern trains that provide better facilities, improved accessibility and a more comfortable ride.”

He added: “We’re working hard behind the scenes to deliver brand new trains to replace the existing fleet, which will provide more capacity and faster, greener journeys in years to come.

“In the interim, we have introduced the larger Class 769 trains which provide increased capacity and an improved customer experience.”

Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David, said it was “certainly the end of an era”, but added: “As much as the Pacers bring a sense of nostalgia, I’m really thrilled to see the new 769’s on the Rhymney line.

“The increase in capacity was much needed. I will continue to work with TfW to ensure the service continues to meet the needs of those within my constituency.”

Where will the Pacer trains go?

TfW began withdrawing its Pacer trains from the Valleys network back in December.

One has been donated to a railway in Carmarthenshire, some are being donated to heritage and community projects, while the rest will be scrapped.