The Evening Post has seen a leaked copy of a letter sent by the West of England Partnership to rail minister Tom Harris
MP▸ questioning the arrival of the Class 142 units. The letter was signed by transport leaders at the four local authorities in the Bristol area.
FGW▸ says the 142s will be used on Devon lines , but has not ruled out the possibility of them coming to Bristol in future (link below.)
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=144913&command=displayContent&sourceNode=231190&home=yes&more_nodeId1=144922&contentPK=18936369The letter says of the 142s: "They are far from reliable and represent a considerable step backwards in terms of quality and capacity."
It added: "The last thing we wish to see is a repeat of December 2006 with cancelled and short-formed trains leading to overcrowding and passengers left behind on platforms."
Mr Harris told the Post: "The number and type of trains on the railway is mainly a matter for train operators."
He added: "Our priority is to ensure there is capacity for the travelling public and we have ensured replacement trains are available."
First Great Western spokesman Lance Cole said: "Nothing is set in stone, but come the December 9 timetable changes, the Pacers will be on the Exeter to Barnstaple line. I am not aware they will be used in the Bristol area in a couple of months time."
"The
DfT» takes responsibility for taking strategic rolling stock decision and that decision is to give us 12 Pacers."
Quote from David Redgewell (Campaign For Better Transport) :
"Why is the West not getting what the North is?"
Mr Redgewell said the cost of leasing a Sprinter was ^8,000 per month compared to ^3,000 for a railbus.
