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.
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’.
After reducing its timetable Great Western Railway stopped using its eight Class 143 Pacer units on services in the Exeter area; these sets were also operating under a PRM dispensation running until 31 December and have only been operated coupled to PRM-compliant units since the start of the year but were not needed to maintain the temporary timetable.
