‘Pacers’ to work with PRM compliant units

GWR and Northern have indicated how they will combat restrictions placed on the use of Class 142-144 ‘Pacer’ units from January 1, 2020.

Both will run a non-compliant ‘Pacer’ with a compliant unit of another type to provide accommodation for passengers with limited mobility and also access to a fully accessible toilet.

The restrictions have been brought in because of changed PRM (persons of reduced mobility) regulations.

The delayed cascade or deliveries of replacement stock have delayed the withdrawal of ‘Pacers’ – all were due to have gone by December 31 – with some remaining in traffic, in the case of GWR, until May 2020.

Two of the soon-to-be-withdrawn Transport for Wales Class 142 ‘Pacers’ are seen on an autumnal November 6 at Ystrad Rhondda. On the left, 142075 works the 13.16 Treherbert-Cardiff Central and (right), 142082 departs with the 12.35 Cardiff Central-Treherbert. STUART WARR

The timescale is likely to be similar for Northern, too.

In Wales, Transport for Wales (TfW) has said it is seeking derogation to keep using ‘Pacers’ as a way of improving capacity and resilience ‘for a short period during 2020’.

The loco-hauled Class 37 workings on the Rhymney Valley line will also get a derogation for continued use.

TfW said the ‘Pacers’ and Class 37 train will gradually be removed from service as the Class 769s become available early in 2020.