Which Operator has the oldest average fleet age?

[AndyLandy]

Although at least the 1980s DMUs on some Northern lines are going to be replaced by marginally younger EMUs (whereas there seems to be no prospect of the 1980s DMUs at SWT/ GA etc being replaced any time soon).

On the other hand, SWT have at least taken care of their 1980s DMUs. The class 159 "South Western Turbos" are a joy to travel on. I find it remarkable that SWT are talking about refurbishing the 455s again, and Northern are still running ex-BR-condition 150s. I can forgive most of Northern's failings, but the state of the trains is hopeless. Are Northerners just more scruffy or something?

 

[tbtc]

On the other hand, SWT have at least taken care of their 1980s DMUs. The class 159 "South Western Turbos" are a joy to travel on. I find it remarkable that SWT are talking about refurbishing the 455s again, and Northern are still running ex-BR-condition 150s. I can forgive most of Northern's failings, but the state of the trains is hopeless. Are Northerners just more scruffy or something?

Similarly the EMT 158s are in a great condition (I've only seen a refurbed ATW 158 from the platform, not been inside, so can only say that it looked nice through the window).

This is the problem when talking about "age" though - it's only part of the story.

 

[northwichcat]

Although at least the 1980s DMUs on some Northern lines are going to be replaced by marginally younger EMUs

Add a number of EMUs built around 1988 and take out a much smaller number of the worst 1985 builds of Pacers and that will likely cause the Northern average fleet age to get older not younger, even not allowing for existing trains getting older by the day.

At the moment we don't know for certain whether the 321s, 322s and 323s at Northern will finish up staying or being replaced by slightly older trains.

Yes a relatively small number of lines will see an improvement in the quality of rolling stock but the majority won't.

(whereas there seems to be no prospect of the 1980s DMUs at SWT/ GA etc being replaced any time soon).

The 1980s DMUs at Anglia - 153s and 156s.
The 1980s DMUs at SWT - some of the 158s and 159s (some were built after 1990.)

There aren't any plans to replace 153s, 156s or 158s at Northern either.
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I can forgive most of Northern's failings, but the state of the trains is hopeless. Are Northerners just more scruffy or something?

The former LM 150s that arrived in the North West were in a much worse condition than the non-refurbished 150s that Northern got from Arriva Trains Northern that were complete with original on board British Rail posters! How many passengers in the West Midlands carved graffiti in to the seat backs? It seems like a lot.