03.12.14
Osborne confirms Pacer replacement, not just ‘modernisation’
The DfT’s surprising suggestion in August that ageing and widely-hated Pacer stock serving north of England routes might be “modernised” instead of replaced has apparently been overturned in the Autumn Statement.
Chancellor George Osborne told the Commons: “I can confirm today that we will tender for new franchises for Northern Rail and the TransPennine Express – replacing the ancient and unpopular Pacer carriages with new and modern trains.”
The wording of the official Autumn Statement itself is slightly less confident, saying merely that the government will “encourage bidders to replace the outdated Pacer trains with modern, better quality trains”.
It had long been assumed that the Pacers, originally a stopgap solution and never intended to serve the sorts of routes they do today, would have to be replaced because of the difficulties and costs of getting them compliant with modern disability access rules.
The DfT said earlier this year it expected that replacing the Pacers would be a condition of the new Northern and TransPennine Express franchises – but then appeared to go back on that in August when it said franchisees could look at ‘modernising’ them instead.
The Invitations to Tender (ITTs) for the two franchises have been delayed and will now not be given to each set of three shortlisted bidders until next year. Reports suggest this may be because of uncertainties at the DfT about the best way to handle the current TPE franchise extension, and the delays in Network Rail's infrastructure and electrification upgrades in the region. The negotiations over the Pacer replacement may also be a factor.
Porterbrook has had a plan in place for how to upgrade its own Class 143/144 Pacers, which it showed to DfT officials in more detail recently, though Angel Trains has not made public any such plans if it has them.
Porterbrook says: “The expected modifications are: Seat back handles – New design required with wider grip; Priority seats – some fitted at refurbishing but more required; Second wheelchair space required (both spaces to be near toilet); Call for aid buttons to be fitted in toilet and wheelchair spaces; Door sounders – required in all external door control panels; Universal Toilet to be fitted (assuming service requires the facility); Passenger Information System to be fitted.
“It is an obvious concern that providing these facilities would result in an unacceptable loss of seating however an innovative proposal has been made to optimise the interior layout for the new facilities. It is proposed to fit a new gangway which will be suitable for wheelchair use, opening out the inner-end of the vehicle and providing a common circulating area between the two doors. This arrangement means the toilet can remain in the same place with wheelchair spaces in the adjacent vehicle and exterior doors accessible on both sides.”
Speaking at RTM’s High Speed 2 The Northern Hub Dinner last month, Northern Rail boss Alex Hynes said: “Pacers were launched by British Rail for a particular purpose and they have had a good life, but we probably shouldn’t be using them for peak commuting into Leeds and Manchester. They’ve got to go.”
Pacers also remain in service on some First Great Western and Arriva Trains Wales routes.
Osborne’s announcement has been welcomed by campaigners and politicians in the north.
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