Transformation of Northern continues with the introduction of its 100th brand new train

Northern yesterday (Wednesday 9 December) celebrated a special centenary with the introduction of its 100^th brand new train.

This landmark is part of Northern’s work to transform rail travel in the north of England for the customers and the communities it serves.

The Class 195 unit, built by CAF and financed by Eversholt Rail, made its maiden voyage on Wednesday, carrying passengers between Sheffield and Manchester.

The arrival of the latest train means Northern is now just one unit short of bringing in its entire fleet of 101 new trains – a programme which began when the first Class 195s and 331s were introduced in July 2019.

Tricia Williams, Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “It’s fantastic to reach such an important landmark and even better to know that, with the 100^th new train in service, even more of our customers will be able to experience improved journeys.

“We’ve now got new trains – electric and diesel – operating in Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Derbyshire, West Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, meaning that, in most areas, our customers can enjoy travel in modern state of the art units with air conditioning, at-seat power and free Wi-Fi.

“We expect to have our final new train in service early next year, completing the transformation programme that has delivered a step-change in journey experience for Northern passengers.”

Northern’s new trains are part of the largest modernisation programme in a generation that is transforming travel in the north of England. As well as introducing new trains, the operator is also fully refurbishing its existing fleet of 268 trains and delivering improvements at its stations. 

Further evidence of this modernisation process came just two weeks ago when the final Pacer train was retired from the Northern network. The Pacers, introduced in the mid 1980s, covered more than 300 million miles during their lifetime, but were outdated and have now been replaced by the £500 million fleet of new electric and diesel trains.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “From the last Pacer train making its final journey on the Northern network just a few weeks ago, to the 100^th new train in service yesterday, this is a landmark moment for transport in the north.

“This fleet of brand new trains will transform travel in the north of England, delivering modern services and creating a more reliable network across the region.”

Steve Timothy, Eversholt Rail’s Stakeholder Director, added: “It is fantastic that the 100^th new train has been delivered successfully to Northern .

"This achievement is a culmination of the months and years of hard work, determination and collaboration between  Northern, CAF and Eversholt Rail.  We are delighted that our new Class 331 and 195 trains are transforming the journey experience for Northern passengers.”

Since their introduction in the summer of 2019, Northern new trains have already clocked up more than five million customer miles and represent the biggest investment in local rail services in a generation.