Northern is 'proud' to unveil new trains for Lancashire and the North West

Passengers in Lancashire are set to get the latest in comfort and technology as new Northern Trains roll out onto the county’s tracks. The first of the diesel and electric units was unveiled to the public at a ceremony at Preston station and will run on the lines there between Cumbria and Manchester Airport from July 1.
By Tim Gavell
Published 26th Jun 2019, 17:17 GMT
Updated 26th Jun 2019, 18:17 GMT
Northern's Chris Jackson, at the launch of new Northern trains at Preston Railway StationNorthern's Chris Jackson, at the launch of new Northern trains at Preston Railway Station
Northern's Chris Jackson, at the launch of new Northern trains at Preston Railway Station

The new trains will then start to appear across the network including Blackpool through the rest of the year.

Two and three car diesel 195s and three and four car electric 331s have been especially made in Spain by CAF for Northern and funded by Eversholt Rail Group as part of a £500m investment in the new fleet.

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Other trains currently in service will be refurbished to higher specifications and the old Pacer trains will be phased out.

Northern's Chris Jackson, at the launch of new Northern trains at Preston Railway StationNorthern's Chris Jackson, at the launch of new Northern trains at Preston Railway Station
Northern's Chris Jackson, at the launch of new Northern trains at Preston Railway Station

Chris Jackson, Northern’s regional director said passengers should see a step change in quality.

He said: “We are bringing in 101 new trains as part of this £500m investment and it should be a totally different experience for passengers.

“The new trains are longer, they have much more room, there are power sockets at each seat, more tables, free wifi throughout, information screens, wheel chair spaces and space for bikes.

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“The ride smooth and more comfortable and they are more accessible to people with mobility issues. The Pacers have been a workhorse, but it is now time to retire them. The first will go in August. The first of the new trains will be on the Cumbria to Manchester Airport route, via Preston on July 1.”

Northern's deputy managing director Richard Allan at Preston stationNorthern's deputy managing director Richard Allan at Preston station
Northern's deputy managing director Richard Allan at Preston station

David Sidebottom, director for Transport Focus, said: “Passengers tell us their priorities are for a better value for money, punctual and reliable rail service where they can get a seat. Northern passengers will welcome the first of these new high-quality trains as part of the much needed transformation of rail services across the north.”

Richard Allan, deputy managing director at Northern gave a speech at the launch at Preston station where the first train was named Proud to be Northern.

He said: “These new trains are the biggest investment in local rail services in the North for a generation. This really does mark the transformation of local rail services for passengers.

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“Nine of the new trains will start from next Monday, July 1. What we really hope is that the new trains attract new customers to rail.

He thanked everyone from the region's business community and public sectors who had supported the drive to get new investment in rolling stock.

Related topics:LancashireChris JacksonRichard AllanPreston