For a while now we've know the first batch of 319s won't be fully refurbished and ready to enter passenger service in the North West in May 2014, as per the original plan.
People have suggested a new EMU order is the solution but then the question is where do the rest of the 319s go with people not liking the idea of them being used on Valley Lines and North TPE is a non-starter.
However, what about:
* New EMUs ordered for both North West and Thames Valley newly electrified lines.
* When Thameslink units enter service, 319s sent for a full refurb.
* All 86 x 319s go to LM fully refurbished. The 75x 350s that LM will have then are released to be fully refurbished to be suitable for long journeys.
* The fully refurbished 75 x 350s join the 10 x 350s running Manchester-Scotland to take over the North TPE, including the two additional proposed semi-fasts between Manchester and Leeds and the proposed Liverpool-Scotland services.
?
People have suggested a new EMU order is the solution but then the question is where do the rest of the 319s go with people not liking the idea of them being used on Valley Lines and North TPE is a non-starter.
However, what about:
* New EMUs ordered for both North West and Thames Valley newly electrified lines.
* When Thameslink units enter service, 319s sent for a full refurb.
* All 86 x 319s go to LM fully refurbished. The 75x 350s that LM will have then are released to be fully refurbished to be suitable for long journeys.
* The fully refurbished 75 x 350s join the 10 x 350s running Manchester-Scotland to take over the North TPE, including the two additional proposed semi-fasts between Manchester and Leeds and the proposed Liverpool-Scotland services.
?