The department for Transport is drawing up an extensive rolling stock cascade plan to cover changes in the industry over the next few years, sources indicate.The plan was being prepared ahead of the release of the Invitations to Tender for the new Northern and TransPennine franchises (which was expected towards the end of February) and other franchise or Direct Award announcements. It is supported by a plan for more extensive electrification, particularly in the north of England, which is being developed by Network Rail. It was expected that this ambitious programme would be announced in early March, enabling the development of a cascade programme which will allow more EMUs, released by new builds, to be deployed in the region and a withdrawal programme for Pacers to be developed. One initial DfT plan sees the entire Class 319 fleet moving to Northern Rail along with the TransPennine Express Class 350/4 sets once that franchise has started to take deliveries of what is widely assumed to be a new fleet of 125mph EMUs. TheTPE EMUs will be configured to provide accommodation more suited to'a proper long distance operator'.TheTransPennine ITT is also expected to propose the withdrawal of some irregular'peak time only'stops designed to manage short distance commuter flows on otherwise Northern Rail services.
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