I said they hadn't ordered enough. Rather disappointed it's only three extra. Might this mean we see 195s on non-Connect services?
I can see 195s on non-Connect routes.
Based off the performance on both Northern and TPE since the May 2018 timetable change I would be amazed if all the Northern Connect routes were actually introduced without infrastructure upgrades, namely the Oxford Road and Piccadilly Capacity Scheme.
It's proven to be over-ambitious. The combination of two separate commuter stopping services into a Liverpool to Crewe via Manchester Airport service has been pretty disastrous. If the train is stuck whether it be through signal/points failure or displaced crew in Liverpool or Manchester then the entire route has had it. Apply that logic to Chester to Leeds, Liverpool to Leeds and Bradford to Manchester Airport and you have a recipe for something deeply unsavoury.
Don't get me started on the Bradford to Manchester Airport service. I'd love to know where the new path is magically found for that one once it gets to the Styal Line. Maybe they'll end up drawing lots or whoever gets to Piccadilly first gets to go to the Airport while the late running train behind has to terminate at Oxford Road!
Some of the Northern Connect routes will have to be re-evaluated based upon what they've learnt from combining multiple services into a long distance stopping service and the limitations faced at the Ordsall Chord.