Discussions ongoing to offset EMT rolling stock shortfall
DISCUSSIONS continue between East Midlands Trains and the Government over the future of rolling stock beyond January 1 2020.
The current fleet of High Speed Trains used by EMT is not due to be modified to meet disability access regulations that come into force from that date. This means that eight eight-car HSTs owned by Porterbrook and three six-car HSTs owned by Angel Trains, recently cascaded from Grand Central, will not be able to operate beyond that date, leaving a significant hole in the East Midlands fleet.
The current EMT franchise, owned by Stagecoach, is due to finish in March 2019, but is likely to be extended to August that year. Government intends to issue an Invitation to Tender for the franchise in April.
EMT told RAIL that unless there is a change to the plan, or an extension beyond August, it could say little other than that it is “assisting the DfT in determining suitable options going forward”.
An EMT spokesman said: “We are aware of the upcoming changes to regulations regarding the accessibility of rolling stock, particularly the HSTs currently operated by East Midlands Trains.”
“Our current franchise is stated to end in 2019, and therefore decisions beyond that time are a matter for the Department for Transport. However, we are engaged with the Department to support a smooth transition.”
On December 6 2017, Rail Minister Paul Maynard said that rolling stock issues were something for the franchise to deal with, stating: “It is the responsibility for the operator of the East Midlands franchise to ensure the trains which are currently operated on the Midland Main Line meet modern accessibility standards by 2020. Any trains being introduced on to the line must also be built or modified to be compliant with those standards.”
The new East Midlands franchise will have new bi-mode trains from 2022, according to Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling, who made the announcement in July 2017 when cancelling electrification on the Midland Main Line ( RAIL 832).
The new franchise will use 12-car electric multiple units to serve the newly electrified Corby route from 2020.