(07 Feb 2017, 11:33 am)Jimmi wrote I've known about services to Bishop Auckland increasing to hourly for quite a while now, but I was uncertain as to when this would occur, I actually thought that it wouldn't be happening as soon as it is. I obviously am very much looking forward to this as the current two hourly service provided is not ideal.
Also intrigued as to what will replace the Class 142 Pacer's on this line, rumours I have heard have suggested either 150's or 156's although I don't think that the former would be able to be used on services to Hartlepool due to the positioning of the doors. Whilst the extra seating of a 150 may come in handy, I'd much rather have the 156's personally.
The first Major Timetable change for both Arriva Rail Northern and Transpennine Express ( First ) will both occur in December this year.
Bishop will indeed gain a hourly service from then, TPX will introduce a second train per hour between Newcastle and Manchester Victoria, One extending to Liverpool Lime Street like now and a Second to Manchester Airport via the Ordsall Chord, Calling at Manchester Oxford Road and Piccadilly.
I believe Newcastle - Carlisle also has the Hexham terminator extended at this point, Creating 2x Trains per hour, Though I'm not sure if this is set for this year.
150's are indeed not suitable for use at Hartlepool, Non-Gangway'd 150/1's even more so, So I'm expecting 156's to be moved onto local service's once the 158's move onto Northern Connect Middlesbourgh - Carlisle via Stillington, Some Allerton based 156's will be surplus to requirement's in the North West once new stock is in service, So id hint some of these will also move to Heaton to displace remaining 142's.
All the above cannot happen until new/cascaded rolling stock planned to replace them is in service, and with the deadine for removal of 142/144s being December 31st 2019, Id say that any rolling stock transfer's will not take place until atleast the middle of next year, So new timetables for the time being will be ran with 142's and 156's.
