So still to be effectively operated by TPE crews with a 185 and a Northern 153?
I understand the plan is still to use TPE Cleethorpes traincrew on the Barton Line until the DfT have made their final decision, which is likely to be December 2020. The existing rolling stock plan will stay in place until the December 2019 timetable change. After that point, nobody knows.
So people using the Barton Line have to put up with trains constantly cancelled for another year due to lack of staff...
I wonder, if it stays with Northern, what unit will operate it. The 153s are going. Perhaps a class 150. With the 185s becoming less intensively used in the coming months, I do wonder if from January the Barton Line will be fully operated by 185s. Completely overkill but would perhaps improve reliability and reduce stock movements. I suppose we await confirmation.
From December, I would say three possibilities:
1) 153s retained with a dispensation until December 2020
2) Hired in EMR 156s as per original plan. The unit plan for EMR will almost certainly allow for this, as this was the plan until DfT delayed the transfer. The traincrews still think they will soon be starting to learn 156s, though it could be that they haven't been told yet that it has been cancelled.
3) Something from Northern, possibly 150s. Would require crew training at Cleethorpes and Northern are short as it is.
I can't see 185s full time as they are unable to stop at Ulceby heading towards Barton and at New Clee in either direction. Also, they would fall foul of the PRM regulations as only the middle coach is used with the guard's local door being the only door in use. Thus their is no access to the wheelchair space or accessible toilet. At present on the early and late services, I understand that a taxi is sourced for wheelchair bound passengers traveling on the 185 operated serviced.
