Jacobite 2026

I don't think this conflicts with what WCR has said.

WCR has conceded the need for CDL across the whole Mk. 1 fleet.
WCR has formally approached ORR (i.e. submitted application) for R5 exemption while the fleet is being fitted. (This only covers vehicles without CDL)
WCR working on timeline for complete CDL fitment.
No timeline agreed with ORR yet.
ORR has not (yet) issued an exemption.

It has not been officially confirmed, but the evidence suggests WCR has begun to fit Mk. 1s with CDL.

 

The WC statement appears to have been reissued today https://westcoastrailways.co.uk/news/the-jacobite-2026-season-update
It doesn't now mention "reaching an agreement with ORR" but does say "we .... are going to install Central Door Locking (CDL) systems across our entire fleet of Mark 1 carriages used on the mainline."

 

Better late than never. Around 10 years too late.

 

I take that to mean there isn't necessarily going to be an R5 exemption any time soon, if ever, and the constraining factor may be having the first set ready to go.
The other "issue" with running the Jacobite with Mk2s is locomotive availability, given that 44871 and/or 45407 have other commitments in coming weeks. Having at least one Mk1 set available for the Jacobite presumably opens up other possibilities. How near is the K1 ready to completing its overhaul?

 

But it does state " To this end, we are currently working in close partnership with the ORR to finalise a timeline "

Dave B

 

That's what WCR claim. I'm not sure close partnership would be a phrase used by the ORR where WCR are concerned.

 

Rubbish

10 years ago, in 2016; ORR were proposing to scrap RSR99 except for Reg 3. Leaving the joint TOC DB Cargo & WCR) Code of Practice for steward controlled doors in place.

 

Is it incorrect to say that in 2018, when renewing the R5 exemption, ORR told WC that it would be the final exemption issued, for a period of five years?
In March 2023, when that exemption period ended WC sought its renewal and was declined by ORR. WC then initiated court action which led to ORR issuing a temporary extension of the R5 exemption, ultimately revoked after the judicial review failed.
Since January 2024 WC, or now iteration thereof, have been seeking to persuade ORR that a new R5 exemption, in some form, is merited.
All told it is well into year 8 of this saga. If WC get their way it could be 2030 before their entire fleet is fitted so "10 years late" would be an understatement. One which I'm sure the owner of LSL would be likely to challenge if ORR relented at this stage.