I hope that something different is ordered, mainly for the variety.
The last thing an operator wants is "variety".
TPE is having a taste of what "variety" does to its costs and plans.
Also in the mix is the fact that Alstom is established as the maintenance partner for the franchise, and is set to remain that way with the retention of the Pendolinos.
There are no Hitachi depots on the WCML, which counts against AT300s (for a relatively small fleet).
CAF does have a presence on the northern WCML, and will be running north of Manchester/Liverpool with class 397 EMUs for TPE (also a First-led firm).
But what do I know...
Reading the First Group original announcement after winning the franchise, they say they are replacing the "unpopular Voyagers".
I don't think that is really the case, at least on the off-wire routes like Chester/North Wales.
I'll be really interested to see what journey times their replacement will deliver, if they are non-tilting.