TPE lines up dual-mode ‘88s’ to supplement use of ‘68s’
NEW Class 88s could be used on TransPennine Express passenger trains, according to the franchise agreement published by the Department for Transport.
TPE is contracted to hire a maximum of 18 Class 68s, the document says. From August 19 2018 until the end of the franchise period, the intended quantity on hire is 13.
Ten dual-mode Class 88s have been ordered, with six in the UK. Built by Stadler in Valencia, they will initially be used on intermodal traffic, alongside other Direct Rail Services duties.
Both the ‘68s’ and ‘88s’ are owned by Beacon Rail and would be sub-leased by TPE from Direct Rail Services.
The franchise agreement states: “The rolling stock lease of the Class 68 locomotives shall include provisions enabling them to be replaced by Class 88 locomotives subject to such Class 88 locomotives being available to the lessor.
“The Franchisee shall use all reasonable endeavours to take steps under its arrangements with such lessor to notify it in accordance with the terms of the Rolling Stock Lease or otherwise that it is likely that Class 88 locomotives may or will be required, it being acknowledged that the Franchisee shall not be required to incur material cost or risk in relation to replacing Class 68 locomotives with Class 88 locomotives unless there is a North Trans Pennine Upgrade Variation pursuant to paragraph 15 of Schedule 6.2 (Trans Pennine Express Franchise Specific Provisions) and the acquisition of Class 88 locomotives is addressed pursuant to such North Trans Pennine Upgrade Variation.”
The use of Class 88s is likely to rely on electrification of the transPennine route via Huddersfield, which will form part of Control Period 6’s planning.
Meanwhile, TPE has confirmed to RAIL that the rake of Mk 3s currently at Laira (Plymouth) will be ready for September, when driver training begins ahead of their introduction on the Northern route (Liverpool-York, Scarborough, Middlesbrough and Newcastle) on a limited timetabled service this December. Class 68s hired from DRS will be used for these trains.
The franchise agreement states that the ten Mk 3s will be refurbished to create two rakes of five carriages, each with 280 Standard Class seats, 44 First Class and a standing capacity of 140 passengers. Mk 3 Driving Van Trailers owned by DRS (82101/126) will also be used.
The carriages at Laira include three Open First vehicles (FO) 11007/018/048 and Kitchen Buffet Firsts (RFB) 10212/229, as well as Standard Open (TSO) 12011/078, 12122/133/138. The RFBs and an FO will need to be converted to TSOs.