06.03.15
Who will build the new DMUs?
Source: Mikey B
It would be excellent to have a fleet of new-build DMUs in service by 2020 but one question needs to be answered – who is likely to build them? Will Bombardier be prepared to re-open their Turbostar line for what will only be a short run of 120 vehicles, or can they produce a diesel version of their new Aventra design?
Alternatively, will the new train be an improved version of Siemens’ Class 185 or a totally new design from, say, the merged CSR/CNR builders in China? It is surely going to be at least a couple of years before the new franchisee can place any order and therefore, Pacers are bound to be around for another five or six years at least.
Re: New Northern franchise to include fleet of ‘newly built’ trains