Valley Lines (train operating company)
- For the urban rail network around Cardiff, formerly operated by this franchise but today by Arriva Trains Wales, see Valley Lines
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| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Franchise(s) | Valley Lines 13 October 1996 - 13 October 2001 |
| Main region(s) | Cardiff and South Wales Valleys |
| Other region(s) | Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan |
| Fleet size | 36 |
| Parent company | Prism Rail |
| Reporting mark | VL |
Valley Lines[1] was a train operating company in the United Kingdom owned by Prism Rail that operated the Cardiff Railway Company franchise from October 1996 until October 2001.
In July 2000 Prism Rail was purchased by National Express.[2][3]
Services
Valley Lines operated passenger services around Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys in South Wales.
Rolling stock
Valley Lines inherited a fleet of Class 142, [[British Rail Class 143|Class 143], Class 150s from British Rail.
Valley Lines also used Mark 2 carriages on Rhymney Line services with EWS Class 37 and Fifty Fund Class 50s among the locomotives used.
Fleet
| Class | Image | Type | Top speed | Number | Built | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mph | km/h | |||||
| Class 142 Pacer | 
|
Diesel multiple unit | 75 | 120 | 15 | 1985-1987 |
| Class 143 Pacer | 
|
Diesel multiple unit | 75 | 120 | 14 | 1985-1986 |
| Class 150 Sprinter | 
|
Diesel multiple unit | 75 | 120 | 6 | 1984-1987 |
-
A Valley Lines Class 143 at Cardiff Central in 2000 -
Bridge north of Cardiff Queen Street with Valley Lines advertising
-
Former logo of Valley Lines from 1997
Depot
Valley Lines fleet was maintained at Cardiff Canton depot.
Demise
In 2001 the Strategic Rail Authority decided to reorganise the Valley Lines and Wales & West franchises, both being operated by National Express. Valley Lines was absorbed by the Wales & Borders franchise from October 2001.
References
- ^ Companies House extract company no 3007927 Cardiff Railway Company Limited
- ^ National Express buys Prism for £166m The Telegraph 19 July 2000
- ^ National Express buys Prism for £166m The Guardian 19 July 2000
