(07 Dec 2016, 9:07 pm)mb134 wrote Their current way of doing it clearly isn't working. Every four to five years there are a few months where breakdowns seem to happen on a far too frequent basis. This will inevitably be noticed by passengers, reducing their impression of the service. The vehicles used are then no good for any service that has any level of demand, unless they undergo serious mechanical work.
Coaches would last longer, arguably help increase service growth, and you'd think would have some use afterwards, as you stated.
It's also not as if coaches aren't accessible, or 'local' service friendly either now.
With the upcoming changes to Northern next year, I reckon we could see more people hit the rail network.
Whoever launches the improvements first, could end up having a massive headstart.