Why have 801's been ordered at all? I know there is the Lincoln service but that is not really a reason. I understand that other than that the plan is not to run in anything other than doubled up form. I am so confused! Why have the extra cost of 2 cabs and lose all that capacity, and introduce an silly and expensive operational barrier. I can see absolutely no advantage on the Leeds route for operator or customer, just disadvantages.
I don't see the ability to send one unit out if the other has failed as an advantage. Leeds trains are packed and so much better to manage the risk through proper maintenance of a whole unit. That point is proven by the fact DfT thought it acceptable to have 9 car on the Scotland routes.
Is it down to north of Leeds services, allowing a single service to split to serve Harrogate, Bradford or Huddersfield? If so, has this already been programmed into the timetable or is it a firm intention with a new timetable to come?
I can see these doubled up unit causing a lot of confusion at Leeds and Kings Cross where there are often quite a few late joiners who then walk down the train to get to their seat.