HST withdrawals
GWR is to cease using its remaining fleet of 2+4 High Speed Trains by December 2023. Over the next 12 months, the fleet is to be withdrawn on a phased basis in alignment with timetable changes, leaving the following in traffic: 10 from December 2022 (two maintenance and eight in passenger service); seven in passenger service from May; three in passenger service from September; and complete withdrawal by December 2023. The pace of the plan is more rapid than previously anticipated. The decision has been made to reduce costs and carbon emissions. The diagrams will be covered by redeploying IETs and the remaining diesel fleet. No announcement has been made regarding the CrossCountry HST fleet, but no redundancies are anticipated at Laira depot in Plymouth as GWR has been scaling up commercial work.
Funicular upgrade
THE East Hill lift in Hastings Old Town has closed temporarily. Kevin Boorman, of Hastings Borough Council, which owns and operates the lift, said: “Track repairs are required so the planned winter closure of the lift has been brought forward. The nature of the railway means that the track work is likely to take some time, as it will involve the lift cars having to be removed. Contractors are advising the council on the likely cost and timescale of the work.”The 5ft gauge funicular line runs for 267ft and operates using two cars.