“The Department for Transport has not assessed the feasibility of modernising Pacer trains, (but) officials have been shown plans by Porterbrook to modernise one Class 144 unit this winter,” Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said in a Written Answer on November 17.

“It will be for the owners to decide whether to invest in life-extension works, alongside bidders for future franchises,” he added.

“The Government recognises the need for new rolling stock on (future) franchises, and that is why we will require bidders for the Northern franchise to include proposals as part of their bids for the removal of Pacer units.”

Goodwill was replying to Catherine McKinnell (Labour, Newcastle-upon-Tyne North).

  • More information in RAIL 762, published November 26