Northern has announced that it has launched its 100th refurbished train into service. This marks a milestone in the modernisation programme.
The 100th train to be refurbished, a Class 170, features upgraded seats and lighting, offering a brighter and more comfortable journey, it enables passengers to stay connected with free wifi and at-seat power.
The 170s boast 50% more capacity than the Pacer trains they replace. The 170s run normally on the York to Leeds via Harrogate line are impressing passengers, with many commenting on how much more space there is, the quality of the ride and how quiet it is.
The Class 170 joins the following refurbished trains which are already out and about on Northern's network giving customers an improved travel experience:
- 27 Class 150s
- 4 Class 155s
- 24 Class 156s
- 9 Class 158s
- 4 Class 170s
- 32 Class 319
What did the officials say?
Ben Ackroyd, Northern's Engineering Director, said:
“Our 100th refurbished train going into service is another great milestone in our modernisation programme. We are committed to improving our customers' on-board experience and the refurbishment programme is really gathering pace.
“The refurbishment of our fleet is an ongoing programme of work and, ultimately, our customers will be travelling on trains which are not only cosmetically better, but will also all feature free wifi, at seat power, high definition CCTV and customer information media screens.”
Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:
“This is good news, and congratulations are due to Northern. The quality of the rolling stock on our line is raised with me more than any other rail issue, and people have really noticed the old Pacer trains are being phased out and replaced by much better ones, with the last old Pacer going in just over 12 months.
“Passenger numbers on our local line are high and it is important that the quality of the rolling stock improves and the number of people that rolling stock can carry increases. That is why I am pleased that with the progress being made by Northern. I enjoy travelling on the new trains, for the better journeys they provide.”
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So 4 Class 170s are with Northern at the moment but another 8 will be coming which Northern have inherited 16 Class 170s with some to operate on York-Leeds via Harrogate. And possibly use them on other routes in Northeast England & North Yorkshire such as York-Scarborough and Darlington-Redcar & Hartlepool to replace the Class 143 & Class 144 Pacers there. Plus with Class 195 and Class 331 Civity that will be entering service in December or before the end of 2018 and into 2019.
Sorry meant was 12 Class 170s to be in service in the new year with the total of 16 Class 170s that will be used by Northern.
I travelled to Blackpool Fri 26 Oct on northern or to be more precise I didn’t.
A 35 min journey from Preston to Blackpool waiting in the station over an hour for a train that eventually arrived then didn’t move for a further 25 mins eventually 3hours later arrived at Blackpool
Have as many trains as you like if no one to drive them pointless don’t post stories about new trains if your service is shit