Network Rail have written to
FGW▸ about the impending introduction of Pacers in Devon (
Link to original document)
In the letter, they refer to damage to the track:
Network Rail considers that in relation to the proposed Vehicle Change Network Rail should be entitled to compensation (as defined in Condition F3.2) from FGW for the consequences of the implementation of the change. Class 142 vehicles were previously removed from, what is now, the Western Route due to the high level of damage the vehicles caused to the track - an issue that was highlighted to the DfT» during the franchise process. In order to mitigate the risks associated with this damage Network Rail wishes to implement the recommendations of the relevant standard (NR» /SP/TRK/8006) and pass on to FGW the one-off costs incurred as a result.
They also ask for some compensation:
To the extent that the information provided in the FGW^s proposal for Vehicle Change (issued under Condition F2) has enabled Network Rail to assess the likely effect of the proposed change, a statement of the amount of compensation required (calculated in accordance with the requirements of Condition F3) and the means by which the compensation should be paid is shown in Appendix A to this letter. The details of these costs were initially provided as part of the Preliminary Response (22 October 2007) and an updated copy is supplied as an Excel spreadsheet at Appendix B.
Pacers apparently squeal a bit:
Class 142 vehicles are also notorious for causing squealing noises on curves which lead to complaints from the public and their representatives. As part of this Vehicle Change Network Rail requires FGW to be accountable for the costs and conscientious processing of any such complaints generated by the operation of these vehicles.
They also carry a higher risk of collision than rolling stock they replace:
Finally, Class 142 vehicles have historically been prone to incidents of low adhesion. This is attributed to the axle configuration rather than any railhead condition. As part of this Vehicle Change Network Rail requires FGW to take steps to mitigate against such incidents and be responsible for any failure to do so.
