Yorkshire transport boss says comparing Pacer trains to buses is an insult to buses

The director of a Yorkshire bus operator has revealed his frustration at constant comparisons between the much-maligned Pacer trains and buses.
A Pacer on a Leeds to Selby serviceA Pacer on a Leeds to Selby service
A Pacer on a Leeds to Selby service

Alex Hornby, who is chief executive of Harrogate Bus Company, a subsidy of Transdev, hit out on Twitter during the ongoing debate about the delayed scrapping of the 1980s-era trains, which are still in service on routes operated by Northern.

Northern confirms future plans for Pacers trains as punctuality hits an all-time lowThe transport boss said: "More talk of Pacers in the news. I’m tired of commentators saying that Pacers are terrible because of the awful 'bus' feel they have. When was the last time these people went on a bus? Or rather one of our buses."

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The Harrogate Bus Company is known for its investment in a fleet of ultra-modern luxury buses serving destinations such as Leeds and Ripon, which boast heating, leather seats, USB ports and even on-board libraries.

Comment: Northern is failing Yorkshire as Pacers are reprieved and punctuality plummetsPacers hit the headlines again this week after Northern revealed they would remain in service throughout 2020 due to 'industry-wide' problems which had delayed the introduction of new rolling stock.

The trains - known for their rattling motion, cold, dated interiors and noisy engines - have been running for over 30 years and were initially meant to be a stopgap solution. They were created by attaching bus bodies to rail bogies, and the passenger experience is frequently likened to being on board a bus.

These are the questions Yorkshire rail passengers want the Transport Secretary to answerCouncil leaders from across Yorkshire told Northern that the temporary retention of Pacers was an 'insult' to passengers, and Dan Jarvis, mayor of Sheffield City Region, said they should be 'consigned to transport museums'. In a letter to the under-fire franchise, they said:-

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“As we are forced into accepting the temporary retention of Pacers, we expect you to commit, as a matter of urgency, to appropriate financial compensation to the passengers affected. A reduction in fares on the affected routes throughout the period of Pacer retention is the very least that could be done.”

Many Pacers have had new seats fitted to replace the original bus-style seating, but their interiors remain datedMany Pacers have had new seats fitted to replace the original bus-style seating, but their interiors remain dated
Many Pacers have had new seats fitted to replace the original bus-style seating, but their interiors remain dated

Northern had already released plans to allow bids for retired Pacers from community groups, who will be able to turn them into public spaces such as soft play areas, cafes and community centres.

Dan Jarvis: Pacer insult is proof that the north needs rail investmentThe National Railway Museum in York have also expressed interest in putting a Pacer on display as an exhibit alongside the likes of the Mallard and Stephenson's Rocket, accepting that it has played a role in rail history.