Northern is now running 100 refurbished digital trains across their network, providing upgrades in passenger comfort and digital facilities.
The 100th train to be upgraded is a Class 158, and like the other trains that have been refurbished, features digital enhancements like USB charging sockets at every seat, free Wi-Fi, and CCTV. The upgrades also include brand new customer information screens.
The project will see 243 trains refurbished and comes as part of a multimillion-pound programme to provide new trains, better stations and improved journey experience for customers.
The first part of the refurbishment has seen repainting, fitting of new seating, carpets and lighting with the second part which is currently underway set to deliver free WiFi, CCTV, improved and real-time customer information screens and a host of on-board systems set to specifically improve train performance and maintenance.
Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “It's fantastic to be able to deliver these improvements to our customers and to be able to offer fully refurbished trains with modern facilities, I am really proud to see this unit out on the network.”
“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to delivering further improvements for our passengers to enjoy.”
“I am grateful to our partners across the industry who have worked hard to deliver the refurbishments and I look forward to seeing more and more refurbished carriages out and about on the network during the coming months.”
In addition, Northern now have 101 brand new trains in operation, including the new diesel Class 195 and electric Class 331 which were initially introduced during 2019 and have been steadily rolling out carriages for many routes.
The new trains come with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, at-seat power and customer information screens with real-time information. They offer more space and are fully accessible, with spaces for wheelchairs and bikes.
