Class 318s returning to Doncaster?

[Peter0124]

Whilst I was waiting for a train at Cambuslang this morning, a class 318 (318258) passed through working this service:
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/K96347/2017/09/14/advanced

Does anyone know why already refurbished 318s are heading down south again?

 

[robbeech]

Saw this pass through York and did wonder myself.

 

[Kite159]

Maybe to get touched up with WiFi & plug sockets which was missing from the earlier refurbished 318s? (assuming that 258 is one of those)

 

[Peter0124]

Maybe to get touched up with WiFi & plug sockets which was missing from the earlier refurbished 318s? (assuming that 258 is one of those)

I think 318252 and the units refurbished after that have plugs and WiFi so that's probably why, and they also have bicycle spaces which the earlier refurbished units do not so it could be for that.

 

[Altnabreac]

As others have said, it is a Franchise commitment to fit Wi-Fi and sockets to all the units that will be staying beyond 2019.

Franchise Agreement

Strathclyde Electrics

• The Rolling Stock shall have facilities for storing large items of luggage within sight/proximity of passengers when seated; overhead racks for smaller luggage, flexible space for pushchairs/prams and cycle storage facilities (with a minimum space of 2 cycles per unit).
• The Rolling Stock shall have Wi-Fi capability fully compatible with modern standards with a minimum speed of 20 Mbps.
• The Rolling Stock shall have 230V power sockets (one per pair of seats) capable of charging a laptop, mobile phone or similar device.

 

[Carntyne]

The WiFi is fitted in (ScotRail) depots. There's a few 318 units running around with it now.

 

[ScottDarg]

Was wondering why some units were returning and this thread has shed some light on that. 318262 went back to Doncaster today also.