Transportation & Logistics International Volume 11, Issue 6 | Page 36

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Having faced the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic like vastly reduced passenger numbers and revenues , Wales ’ transport network came under public ownership in 2021 . This saw TfW take on direct responsibility for operating the Wales and Borders rail network to protect vital services , safeguard jobs , and continue implementing significant upgrades to the Welsh railways .
Innovation and investment
In 2018 , work began on designing and building a brand-new , £ 800 million fleet of trains , the first of which , named ‘ Happy Valley ’, was unveiled in Llandudno earlier this year . In addition to new trains , it carried out a £ 40 million investment program to update its current fleet with phone charging points and onboard Wi-Fi , as well as new seats , carpets , and interior fittings .
TfW is sure to continue its current growth trajectory
PTI Cymru , the operator of Traveline Cymru journey planning services , was also merged into TfW ’ s operations in 2022 . Its expertise and experience in planning services will help the organization ensure that doorto-door , multimodal journey planning is easy to access and understand , as well as enhance overall understanding of customers ’ travel preferences .
With accessibility in mind , the organization launched its fflecsi service in 2020 , aimed at easing the burden of local journeys . The convenient , on-demand bus service is operated in partnership with local councils
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