Diolch, Llywydd. Go back just a few weeks and class 143 trains, the Pacers, would have been part of that long list of temporary measures that never went away. The Pacers, described as a byword for commuter discomfort and chronic lateness, were introduced as a temporary replacement for older diesel trains. The Leyland bus body—yes, they really were made from old buses—bench seating and freight wagon chassis, built by British Rail in the 1980s never suggested that passenger comfort was the prime objective. Indeed, the nodding donkeys, as they were known, were an iniquitous part of the rail commuter experience in Wales and elsewhere in the UK since. However, on Saturday 29 May, Pacers made their final journeys on the Transport for Wales network. Transport for Wales have committed, of course, to deliver brand-new trains, providing enhanced capacity and faster, greener journeys. Key also is customer experience on the modern train, providing better facilities, improved accessibility, and a more comfortable ride.

Some Pacer trains will have new leases of life via donation to heritage railways and other community projects. But, as their journey on commuter passenger services comes to an end, it is important to remember the years of service that saw class 143s make the equivalent of over five trips to the moon and back. And if the Pacer could bid us a fond farewell, it would be of course with that unique and ear-piercing brake squeal so familiar to commuters across Wales.