northwichcat
Veteran Member
We need more DMUs with electrification in its current state so I would not be surprised. LM to become a 172 and 195 only DMU franchise. Plenty to release to other operators especially wales, FGW etc who are going to need DMUs. EMT as well.
Yes 172s as commuter DMUs and 195s as longer distance/rural DMUs makes sense. Although, whether they'd be able to release DMUs before the 2019 accessibility deadline is another question. It's also worth remembering Northern's franchise agreement includes a requirement to take on DMUs 'equivalent in quality and performance to 170s' post-2019.