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Transport for Wales names new trains after home towns of Wrexham co-owners

27 Apr 2024 2 minute read
The two new trains were unveiled today – Image TfW

Transport for Wales has named two new trains after the home cities of Wrexham Football Club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

The ‘Robin Goch Philadelphia’ and ‘Ddraig Goch Vancouver’ were unveiled today by Welsh Government’s First Minister Vaughan Gethin and Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates, ahead of the home game against Stockport.

The Robin Goch Philadelphia – Image: TfW

Comfort

The rail operator says it wanted to acknowledge the positive work and impact the owners have had in the area including how they’ve helped the local community and businesses.

First Minister Vaughan Gething said: “It’s been great to visit Wrexham General today and see two of the latest additions to Transport for Wales’s stock, part of our £800m investment to improve trains’ reliability and comfort.

“There’s a real buzz about Wrexham these days. Rob and Ryan have put an incredible amount into the community and it’s fantastic that their contribution is being recognised with the new trains, which I’m sure every Wrexham fan will want to travel on whenever they can.”

The Ddraig Goch Vancouver

Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have opened a window to the world on Wrexham, its fantastic football club and the wider region. I’m delighted that we’re recognising this by naming two of our brand new, made-in-Wales trains in their honour.

“It’s especially fitting that it’s happening as the curtain closes on another incredibly successful season for Wrexham AFC.”

Class 197 trains – Image TfW

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO added: “We’re in the process of introducing brand-new trains across our Wales and Borders network and throughout the last year we’ve worked with local schools and communities to help name them.

“Our services are well used by supporters of Wrexham Football Club and it’s evident to see how much the owners of the club have positively contributed to the area.  We’re proud to name our new trains after the home cities of Ryan and Rob and we look forward to welcoming fans onto them.”


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Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
1 day ago

A great way of continuing a two hundred year old tradition…go Wrecsam

Mab Meirion
Mab Meirion
16 hours ago
Reply to  Mab Meirion

2-1 for Albi x

Riki
Riki
20 hours ago

A very nice gesture! Just hope it doesnt come across as a bit um, Loser-ish. I know, what a word to use.

Peter Cuthbert
Peter Cuthbert
18 hours ago
Reply to  Riki

Yes a nice gesture, but some of us in the wilder parts of Wales are still keen to see a different kind of gesture. How about some more trains and the promised Cambrian Coast hourly service? (There is talk that it will be delayed by another two years!)

hdavies15
hdavies15
5 minutes ago
Reply to  Peter Cuthbert

All P.R, no performance.

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