Class 68s still have a future with Chiltern Railways – and a new route identified for Transpennine Express

CLASS 68-HAULED trains remain an important part of Chiltern Railways’ fleet, the operator confirmed on December 3 – despite a commitment to introduce more hybrid technology to the fleet.

Chiltern Railways was awarded a six-year contract extension by the Department for Transport, taking the deal through to 2027.

This includes an agreement to continue and expand trials of Hybridflex technology, by converting more of its fleet into diesel-battery hybrids, while the operator will also work on a business case for converting all diesel trains to hybrid technology.

While its 39 Class 165s, 28 Class 168s, and four Class 172s are leased directly from rolling stock leasing companies, the six Class 68s used by CR (68010-015) are sub-leased from Direct Rail Services.

CR plans to use the 68s and Mk.3s to provide required capacity, and CR confirmed it will be part of the operator’s future.

Meanwhile, Transpennine Express plans to use Class 68s on trains across the Hope Valley from May. TPE is planning to use a locomotive-hauled train on the Cleethorpes-manchester Piccadilly route, via Sheffield, returning loco-hauled coaching stock to the Hope Valley. This is part of the uplift in TPE’S Class 68 operations, when six sets will be in use per day instead of the current three.

Steve Donald Spencer Conquest Transpennine Express 68024 Centaur passes Seamer with 1E25, the late running 06.54 Liverpool Lime Street to Scarborough service on August 28, 2021. TPE is due to introduce Class 68s onto services on the Hope Valley line from the May timetable change. Chiltern Railways has stated that its fleet of six sub-leased Class 68s – 68010 to 68015 – still have a future with the operator, following the announcement that it has been awarded a six-year contract extension. 68010 Oxford Flyer works IR25, the 11.10 London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street service, on June 3, 2021.