MOVING WHEELS: Stock stored as timetables reduced

PACERS AND MK 3s AMONG VEHICLES WITHDRAWN

AS TRAIN operators reduced timetables amid the coronavirus outbreak, a number placed rolling stock into store as it was not needed to maintain the required level of service. If reduced timetables persist this could mean some sets will not return to service.

Chiltern commuter set withdrawn: slam door Mk 3s previously used on peak time services were placed into store in late March. Rail Operations Group loco No 47815 hauls the rake through West Ealing with the 5V94 Wembley to Long Marston move on 27 March 2020.

Jamie Squibbs

Among those in this category are Pacer DMUs. Northern placed its fleets of Class 142 and 144 Pacers into store while operating its reduced timetable. The operator has dispensation to continue using a small number of ‘142s’ and all the ‘144s’ despite their non-compliance with Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) regulations, with these dispensations expiring on 31 May for the ‘142s’ and 31 August for the ‘144s’. When asked for a comment, Northern told Modern Railways it is ‘maintaining its current fleet of trains to ensure they are all available for use, if necessary, to help get key workers where they need to be’.