 The Class 175 fleet was operated by First North Western (FNW) from Birmingham New Street, Crewe and Manchester to Llandudno, Holyhead, Barrow and Windermere.As part of a restructure of franchise areas, in October 2003 FNW's services on the North Wales Coast Line from Birmingham and Manchester to Llandudno and Holyhead were transferred to the Wales & Borders franchise.All 27 Class 175s were transferred to Wales & Borders, who then sublet 11 to FNW.