Premier Service


The Premier Service is a passenger train service operated by Transport for [Wales Rail] between Holyhead and Cardiff Central in Wales.

History

On 15 December 2008, the Premier Service commenced operating between Holyhead and Cardiff Central. Originally named Y Gerallt Gymro, it was funded by the Welsh Government as a premium service to connect North and South Wales. Grand Central and Wrexham & Shropshire expressed an interest in operating the service; however, the contract was awarded to Wales & Borders franchise holder Arriva Trains Wales.
Four British [Rail Class 57|Class 57] locomotives were sublet from Virgin Trains West Coast to operate in top and tail formation, with one Mark 3 and three Mark 2 carriages. By February 2009, the service was being operated by a single Class 57.
In March 2012, the Class 57 were replaced by DB Schenker Class 67. The Mark 2 carriages were replaced with Mark 3 carriages at the same time. It originally ran via Crewe but, from September 2012, it was rerouted via Wrexham General after a Driving Van Trailer was added; this allowed the train to change direction at Chester.
In October 2018, operation of the Premier Service passed with the Wales & Borders franchise to KeolisAmey Wales. In March 2020, the service was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the Mark 3 coaches withdrawn. It resumed in June 2021, with Class 67s hauling Mark 4 coaches and,, three trains in each direction now operate five days a week.

Services

The Premier Service departs Holyhead at 05:27, and departs Cardiff Central at 17:22. It features first-class accommodation and a dining car with a travelling chef. First class customers have the option of purchasing a breakfast, lunch or dinner, cooked to order, by the on-board chef. Normal standard-class fares are valid on the train.
As well as serving Cardiff to Holyhead, Transport for Wales introduced 6 return services Monday-Saturday between Cardiff and Manchester, and 1 return service between Swansea and Manchester on Monday-Saturday, with 2 services on Sunday, using the same rolling stock.