To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for the replacement of Pacer carriages covering local services with modern rolling stock on rail services in the North of England.
Answered on
31 October 2017
The Department recognises that Pacers fall short of passengers’ expectations and so required bidders for the Northern franchise to phase them out.
Arriva Rail North are investing £400 million in 281 brand new air-conditioned carriages, more than double the minimum required in the government’s invitation to tender, and remain on track to deliver the complete removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacers by the end of 2019 at the latest.
Answered by
Department for Transport