The Class 175 train units, which were previously withdrawn from service, are set to re-enter operation under a new lease agreement with Great Western Railway (GWR).
Future Operations of Class 175
Initially, the Class 175 fleet was retired from active service by the end of 2023, with their roles being taken over by the newer Class 197 DMUs. However, there has been a significant development regarding their future.
- August 2024: Reports emerged from Rail Express indicating that Great Western Railway was actively planning to lease the Class 175 fleet.
- November 2024: This plan was officially confirmed when Great Western Railway formally signed the lease agreement for the entire Class 175 fleet.
This lease signifies a new chapter for the Class 175 units, as they will be utilized by GWR, potentially expanding their operational capacity or serving new routes.
Class 175 Transition Timeline
To provide a clear overview, here's a timeline of the recent events concerning the Class 175 trains:
| Event | Date/Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal from Service | End of 2023 | The last units were retired, replaced by Class 197 Diesel Multiple Units. |
| Lease Planning Revealed | August 2024 | Rail Express reported Great Western Railway's intentions to lease the fleet. |
| Lease Agreement Signed | November 2024 | Great Western Railway formally confirmed and signed the lease for the Class 175 fleet. |
This formal lease agreement ensures that the Class 175 units will have continued operational life with Great Western Railway, rather than being permanently retired after their initial withdrawal.
