Following the change in rail contract within the South Wales area to Transport for Wales, now all Arriva Trains Wales expansions have been removed from Train Simulator on Steam.
The following expansions have been delisted and removed from Steam.
- Welsh marches: Newport – Shrewsbury Route
- Arriva Trains Wales Class 150/2 DMU
- South Wales Coastal: Bristol – Swansea Route
- North Wales Coastal Route Extension
- South Wales Coatal Scenario Pack 01
- North Wales Coastal Crewe
- Arriva Trains Wales DMU Pack Add-On
Dovetails Games have made a statement about retiring the packs here.
Transport for Wales has since acquired the contract for rail services throughout Wales, so presumably, Arriva requested removal to avoid confusion. Though for a game that celebrates historic traincraft and services, this still rings a little odd.
Arriva began operating in Wales back in December 2003, with the franchise expiring in October 2018. The company did not bid to renew amid heavy criticism as Arriva was often blamed for Welsh train problems.
Among other issues, Arriva drivers went on strike, there were complaints about old trains being inherited, and the standards were generally deemed ‘low’.
Even the Transport Secretary, Ken Skates, described the contract as ‘dreadful’ and that the contract agreed was ‘not fit for purpose’.
Yet, Arriva often went above and beyond with their services and even put more provision on than was contractually obligated of them to make sure there was a smooth hand-over to Transport for Wales.
A fascinating development, for sure, but sadly if you were hoping to get Arriva expansions on Train Simulator then you’ve missed your chance.