I can see the AWC class 221's going to XC, with the Class 220 units being used on services where class 170 units are used, as long as the route allows it. So where you currently have a Class 220 working with a class 221, you would have two class 221's working together.
The 220s have a lower seating capacity than the 170s. The 170s are much better suited to XC work than say EMR work where they are on stopping services.
You get 3/4 of the capacity at ~3/5th the operating costs, and no additional manning cost - and you need an additional staff member if you running a double unit.
I doubt it will be ~3/5th the cost, the end cars would be little use to the rosco without some cars in between so they'd be included for little extra.
I can also see a couple of the class 222 units moving to XC as well, with 222 001-222 002 replacing the HST trains at XC. The other Class 222 units, I can see replacing most of the HST sets with Scotrail. I can also see the 4 class 180 units, once
I cant really see any of this happening, the 222s have been talked about for XC before but I don't think there is the money for it. Adding the Avanti 221s and reseating all the voyagers with thinner backs to add more seats in would still add capacity.
I wonder how much of the disabled toilet is structural, I know it can't be completely removed but could some of it be changed to luggage racks and change it into a smaller toilet?
222s wouldn't suit scotrail, they are heavy, fuel thirsty, and don't meet the electrification/climate targets scotrail has. EMR is keeping the 180s for now (and for 4 units I doubt Scotland wants them).
...and I suspect exceed the length of the depot at Central Rivers.
Which would kill of extending existing units to more than 5 cars, depot modifications would be expensive...
