Northern Platforms (3 car EMU vs 4 car EMU)

[Mojo]

Why is the North West getting Thameslink cast-offs? Why can't TL keep their dual voltage trains, and North West get new 25KV-only stock?

Because new trains are required to strengthen existing services to 12 coaches and there are also plans to use automatic operation in the core.

 

[royaloak]

No. Chester services have been half-hourly since electrification in the mid-90s; the only change has been the extension of some of the extra Hooton services from/to Chester in the peak hours.

Then how did units become available if there wasn't a service cut back or short formed, even if it was only extra peak time services that were cut back or cut down to 3 cars?

Because in the 90s there were lots of 508s in store and some of these were overhauled and returned to service, a strange idea now with the shortage of stock!