TRANSPORT FOR Wales Rail Services has secured some of the Pacer units withdrawn by Northern but is not permitted to operate any which might be in better condition than its current units. TfW’s cascade has meanwhile suffered a setback with technical issues delaying the entry into service of Mk 4 coaches.
The Department for Transport has given TfW dispensations to continue operating Pacers this year, although the Class 142 and 143 units do not comply with the Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) requirements. The former Northern units will provide spare parts to help TfW maintain its current fleet.
TfW also has dispensations to operate non-compliant Mk 2 coaches, which it deploys on the Rhymney line, and Mk 3 coaches until 30 June. The Pacer dispensations end on 31 July. Meeting the deadlines appears to depend on all nine Class 769 units from Porterbrook, the five Class 230 units from Vivarail and the 12 Mk 4 coaches plus driving van trailers being available for service by 31 July.
‘Our Class 230 programme is progressing well and we expect to begin driver training shortly, ahead of entry into service around the May timetable change’ said a TfW spokesman. TfW originally expected the diesel/battery hybrid …
