DFT Rolling Stock Perspective May 2016

The DFT Rolling Stock Perspective has been compiled. I will summarise some of the most significant updates and news, including what stock is going where and when.

The Report States The UK Needs:

'Introducing emission toilets putting an end, finally, to toilets discharging onto the track ahead of the January 2020 deadline we have set. The industry’s Sustainable Development Principles are about to be re-launched and we want to see all trains complying with these; 

Offer much better on-board facilities including the functionality required by the 21st Century passenger: free Wi-Fi that works, reliable mobile reception that remains connected, charging facilities, comfortable ergonomic seating, quality provision for those with reduced mobility, reliable ventilation and air conditioning, adequate space to store luggage and trains that can be easily cleaned both internally and externally. Similarly, we are open to proposals for interiors that can be modified quickly to permit the transport of high-value goods or perishable foodstuffs; 

Can be more easily transferred between TOCs and routes than at present to make it easier to adapt to future market circumstances. This means more widespread inclusion of common systems for coupling, train management and train control enabling, for example, multiple unit trains of different generations and leased by different TOCs to operate together as a matter of course. It also means taking a long term view on liveries and brands to avoid the need to repaint trains every time a franchise changes operator; 

Are self-powered, where required, with such trains meeting the latest emission standards and being built by a range of suppliers. New diesels are being procured as part of the Northern franchise improvements and there are likely to be significant opportunities over the next decade to replace the last remaining diesel multiple units ordered in the BR era with modern diesels that offer much more for passengers, and; 

Are designed with manufacturers and TOCs working ever more closely with Network Rail, to reduce the amounts of money needed to be spent to introduce.' - DFT.

Next, the way the franchise system is awarded. DFT:

1. 'Provide the climate + incentives to take free-standing investment risk;
2. Credit franchise bidders for measures they will introduce to improve quality alongside the total price offered;
3. Ensuring Network Rail play a full part in the franchise award process, offering advice and raising any concerns they have on bidder’s plans;
4. Stressing the need for franchise bidders to look closely at what customers want and how customer satisfaction can be improved;
5. Providing a clear indication of capacity levels expected on trains so that bidders can consider the balance between adapting current train interiors or investing in new trains - general Stock Perspective
6. As a pilot on three franchises, requiring that, for three years, a percentage of the franchisee’s annual turnover is placed in a fund which can then be used to support innovative solutions.' – DFT.

The report also states about stock leases, to expand on the main points summarised in the photos in this post. Much of which we've already posted previously!

• 13 Govia Great Northern 321s come off-lease, as do 10 TPE 350/4S. 
• Final units of the batch of 319s to Northern from GTR.
• 315s withdrawn from CrossRail as a result of the arrival of new units, whilst London Overground keep theirs slightly longer until new stock is built.
• Cascade of 150s frow GWR in 2018 to Northern, as 165/166s in the GWR fleet are sent South West after the arrival of 365s/800s/387s at GWR. Detail here about the 387s for GWR. 
• 2019: Northern gain some 156s and 170s from Scot Rail, whom lose these due to the arrival of Hitachi Units to make up numbers.

• 12 GTR 317s appear to go off-lease this year.
• 2017: 54 HST power cars and many MK3s leave the GWR fleet, bound for ScotRail, a further 22 at GWR off lease too. This leaves just 43 at GWR, for use on shorter distance services whilst the 800s/801s are on the Penzance-London services. 
• 21 365s leased to GWR, departing Govia GTR due to the arrival of 700s. 

Well, many of our predictions and the rumours from 2015 are coming true! ^Harry


UPDATE: 387s now being built for GWR, as others don't cascade from Govia