We are extremely concerned to learn that the popular Class 323 electric units which provide rail services on the Glossop, Macclesfield/Stoke, Alderley Edge/Crewe routes are not to be offered to the new franchisee of Northern from April 2016. These units have provided the mainstay of services for the last 20 years on these routes. It is envisaged they will move to the Birmingham area where London Midland use the rest of the Class 323 fleet.
What is intended to replace them is unclear. Using the former Thameslink Class 319 electric units ( now in the Manchester area on the newly electrified Manchester Liverpool routes) would face problems in maintaining current schedules on the Glossop route because of its rising gradient. Despite a recent extensive refurbishment by Northern they are older trains than the 323 units and they do not possess regenerative braking.They are also 4 coach trains and would be too long for some stations on the Glossop route.
We are currently working with the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership to argue the case for the Class 323's being retained in the Manchester area and in particular on the Glossop line. We hope those of you concerned about the possible loss of these trains will also contact the Department for Transport to urge they be retained.
What is intended to replace them is unclear. Using the former Thameslink Class 319 electric units ( now in the Manchester area on the newly electrified Manchester Liverpool routes) would face problems in maintaining current schedules on the Glossop route because of its rising gradient. Despite a recent extensive refurbishment by Northern they are older trains than the 323 units and they do not possess regenerative braking.They are also 4 coach trains and would be too long for some stations on the Glossop route.
We are currently working with the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership to argue the case for the Class 323's being retained in the Manchester area and in particular on the Glossop line. We hope those of you concerned about the possible loss of these trains will also contact the Department for Transport to urge they be retained.
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