With ten types of trains in 14 different formations, it makes things more complicated for Northern’s operational and maintenance teams. Six of those ten types of train – 57 per cent of our fleet – are between 32 and 40 years old. They are at, or are reaching, the end of their life.

Reducing the number of different types of trains, will significantly simplify operations, help with staff training, and lower maintenance costs.

As we look to the future, with modern signalling, remote monitoring, clean power and the ever-evolving needs of Northern’s customers, it’s clear Northern’s need new trains to meet those needs.

The objectives of the project to buy new trains are to: Remove Northern’s oldest rolling stock, Lower the costs of subsidy requirements, Reduce maintenance costs, Improve performance, Reduce the number of train types we have, reducing complexity’, Improve the experience for Northern’s customers and colleagues