Northern Rail to add 450 trains to network
The investment is the largest the operator has ever made in its fleet and will see two-thirds of the existing rolling stock substituted over the next 10 years.
Bidding manufacturers such as Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens, and Stadler have been approached by Northern Trains as part of an ‘Invitation to Negotiate’. Bids will be decided by 2026, with a target for the first trains to be in operation by 2030.
Northern’s existing fleet will be replaced in phases with the oldest units – some have been in service since the 1980s – being replaced first.
The new trains will be a mix of electric and hybrid multi-modal powered trains, and manufacturers are being encouraged to prioritise battery-powered trains to comply with the government’s 2025 net zero ambitions.
Replacement fleets will be fitted with updated technology improving comfort, reliability, and customer service.
The first phase will target the replacement of ageing Class 150, 155, and 156 trains, and also see 12 electric three-carriage trains operating local services between York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester following the TransPennine Route Upgrade.
By reducing the variation in train types, operations will be streamlined, staff training costs will be lowered, and maintenance costs will be standardized. This would reduce the tax burden on the public, according to Northern.
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “Almost 60% of the trains in our fleet are between 32 and 40 years old and, while they’ve served the region well, it’s important we get the ball rolling on their replacement.
“It’s game-changing for Northern and will transform the look and feel of our fleet for millions of customers – and it also cements electric and battery as the long-term power source of choice for our fleet.”
She continued: “The new trains will support the government’s commitment to achieving net zero operations by 2050 whilst reflecting the reality that only 25% of the Northern network is currently electrified.”
Whilst this is welcome and long overdue they need to focus on recruiting more staff with appropriate contracts to rectify the appalling service currently on offer.
By Anonymous
Those old trains should be pristine. Don’t run on Sundays and rarely the other days
By Dave
How about first class and catering on Northern Rail trains. At the moment it is a shambles no seat reservations having to stand for over an hour it is a disgrace when you are over 70.
By Mel
What about Blackpool do we get some new train
By Paul staziker
They aren’t adding, they will be replacing older trains
By Moira
@dave nice nonsense comment there. Well done.
These trains are battered, state of the ark, and the smell, lack of space, and noise of their old engines, actively put people off using them. This can’t come soon enough.
By Anonymous
Just having a schedule without cancellations would be a start. Every time I use this “service” my train is cancelled. They are a disgrace.
By Larry