Porterbrook targets off-lease DMU Class 153s as ‘capacity-busters’

Class 153s owned by Porterbrook have a future as passenger-carrying vehicles on the national network, the rolling stock leasing company believes.

Thirteen single-car diesel multiple units (DMUs) are due to come off-lease from Greater Anglia and London Northwestern Railway by 2020. Options include reforming them as two-car Class 155s (as they were built in 1987-88), inserting them into other DMUs, or converting them to baggage/cyclecarrying vehicles.

Speaking exclusively to RAIL, Porterbrook Fleet and Services Director Neil Foster said: “They are in good condition. There’s a future for them if the market wants them. There is a crying need for capacity- busters - just look at the regions.”

He said Porterbrook would explore all opportunities, but was of the belief that they would continue to carry passengers.

Due to come off-lease from GA are 153306/309/314/322/335, while from LNWR are 153354/356/ 364-366/371/375/379. The GA fleet has recently been refurbished.

Yet to be confirmed as going offlease are 153310/311/313/326/ 376/379/381/383-385 from EMT, while Arriva Trains Wales uses 153320/323/367 and Northern leases 153316/324/330/332/358360/363.

Speculation regarding the future of Class 153s has been rife ever since disability regulations were introduced earlier this decade.