Moving Wheels
TRANSPORT FOR Wales is seeking permission to continue using Class 37-hauled sets on the Cardiff to Rhymney line next year, while continuing to target complete withdrawal of Pacer units by 1 January.
Two sets of Mk 2 coaches hauled by Class 37s were introduced on peak Rhymney services during the summer. The coaches do not comply with the Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) standards and would therefore need a derogation to continue in passenger service after 31 December.
A TfW spokesman said: ‘Subject to derogation, we hope to continue running the Class 37s beyond December. We are currently developing mitigation plans to support this. The plan is to withdraw the Pacers from service by the end of the year.’
PREPARING FOR MK 4s
TfW’s two other loco-hauled sets are also non-compliant. Class 67s with Mk 3 coaches operate between Holyhead and Cardiff and between Manchester and the North Wales coast. TfW aims to replace them in December with 3x4-car sets of Mk 4 coaches, now being displaced from the East Coast main line. The coaches require modifications, including work to ensure they can work in push-pull mode with Class 67 locos.
The spokesman said: ‘Design work has been completed on the Mk 4 ca…
