Chiltern Railways is expecting tenders in May for replacement of four six-car rakes of Mk 3 stock, after which a decision will be taken in conjunction with Department for Transport officials. Chiltern Engineering Director Tim Sayer told Modern Railways he expects ‘three or four’ options to be shortlisted; there is widespread industry speculation that Mk 5a rakes formerly used by TransPennine Express will be one of those options. Rail Minister Huw Merriman told the House of Commons Transport Committee on 28 February he had been pushing for the ‘five units that have come off TransPennine Express’ to move to Chiltern.
Mr Sayer said there is an urgent need for extra capacity as Chiltern has the highest load factor of any of the franchised operators, while a full programme of events at Wembley stadium, averaging one major football game or concert a week this year, is generating a heavy demand for extra services.
Separately,…
