The first of six refurbished Class 153 cycle carriages has entered service on the Heart of Wales line, operating between Swansea and Shrewsbury.
By the summer, passengers will be able to bring up to 12 bicycles or e-bikes on board. Until then, the limit remains at two bikes per train, consistent with other Transport for Wales (TfW) services. The modified carriages will be gradually introduced to the fleet in a staged rollout.
The refurbishment work, carried out by Chrysalis Rail at the Landore depot in Swansea, involved the removal of seats in six of TfW’s Class 153 units. The bike carriages now provide space for 10 bicycles, including room for tandems. These will operate in a two-car formation, coupled with a standard class carriage that includes a fully accessible toilet and space for two additional bikes, bringing the total bike capacity to 12 per train.
Each two-car set will offer 108 seats, an increase of 42 compared with the single-car units previously used on the route. The new configuration is expected to increase capacity for both cyclists and general passengers, aligning with the demand for leisure and commuting options along the corridor.
The bike carriages feature a dedicated livery reflecting the scenery along the Heart of Wales line. TfW plans to integrate the remaining five refurbished units into service gradually by the summer.
