We Didn't Order Enough Class 185 Trains
Why It Matters
By under‑ordering diesel trains and discarding electrification, the SRA jeopardized capacity growth and sustainability on a rapidly expanding TransPennine corridor, affecting operators, passengers, and climate targets.
Key Takeaways
- •Strategic Rail Authority halved original train order, opting for three‑car units.
- •Decision eliminated electrification plans, leaving only diesel Class 185s.
- •Fleet reduction trimmed capacity by roughly 33% despite rising demand.
- •Actual Class 185 deployment still boosted capacity about 50% overall.
- •Continued growth of 15‑20% annually strains undersized rolling stock.
Summary
The video critiques the Strategic Rail Authority’s (SRA) handling of the TransPennine rail upgrade, focusing on its decision to slash the originally proposed fleet of 56 four‑car trains to a smaller set of three‑car diesel Class 185 units and to abandon electrification plans.
The SRA first reduced the order by about one‑third, cutting roughly 56 coaches, then further trimmed the fleet to 51 three‑car sets, a net 33% capacity reduction. Despite this, passenger growth on the route was climbing 15‑20% per year, and the heavy diesel units, with high axle loads, were the only option left after electrification was shelved.
The presenter notes that, even with fewer trains, the Class 185s delivered roughly a 50% increase in overall capacity and were well received by passengers, outperforming the older 158s. He highlights the irony of “snorts” and remarks from Gareth, underscoring the SRA’s short‑sightedness in prioritizing immediate cost savings over long‑term infrastructure.
The episode warns that continued demand outpacing the undersized fleet could strain service reliability and limit future growth, while the missed electrification opportunity hampers sustainability goals and long‑term cost efficiency for the rail corridor.
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