Northern Trains has been busy in the background, as it edges forward to a fleet renewal programme.
Northern Trains CAF Class 195 Civity at Manchester Piccadilly – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
The renewal programme could over up to 450 new trains. In the mix to offer new trains – with the first part of the ‘Invitation to Negotiate’ step in the procurement process are Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler. The timescales for the introduction of the trains will be developed as part of the procurement process, however, Northern has set bidders challenging targets to deliver as soon as possible.
The new trains will be introduced on a phased basis, replacing the oldest units in Northern’s existing fleet, most of which have been in service since the 1980s and 90s. Approximately two-thirds of the existing fleet is targeted to be replaced in the next ten years.
Northern Trains plans to add a mix of electric and multi-modal (diesel/electric) powered trains and prospective manufacturers have been asked to include battery-powered trains as part of their proposals. Trains should be convertible to other power sources too.
By reducing the number of different types of trains, it will significantly simplify operations, help with staff training, and lower maintenance costs – all of which will help reduce taxpayer subsidy.
The planned deployment
Like any good plan, it will operate in phases.
Phase one will replace the train operator’s Class 150, 155, and 156 Sprinter family trains.,(first introduced during British Rail’s “Regional Railways” era), and also include 12 electric three-carriage trains to operate the local stopping services between York, Leeds, Huddersfield and Manchester following the electrification of the route through the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Future phases will replace the next oldest fleets as more new trains come off the production line, with older fleets removed.
Current operations
Northern Trains operates a variety of trains – which can be split into eras:
Pre-Privatiatiation
- BREL Class 150,
- Leyland Class 155 Super Sprinter
- Metro-Cammell Class 156 Super Sprinter
- BREL Class 158 Express Sprinter
- Hunslett Class 323
- BREL/Porterbrook Class 769 Bi-Mode (built by BREL as Class 319, modified to Bi-Mode by Porterbrook)
Post Privatisation
In Quotes
Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said:
“Almost 60% of the trains in our fleet are between 32 and 40 years old and, while they’ve served the region well, it’s important we get the ball rolling on their replacement.
“It’s game-changing for Northern and will transform the look and feel of our fleet for millions of customers – and it also cements electric and battery as the long-term power source of choice for our fleet.”
Rail Minister Lord Hendy said:
“This vital fleet upgrade will create smoother journeys and help Northern provide the services their passengers deserve. It’s also great news for our rail manufacturing industry and demonstrates that the pipeline for orders is strong.”
“The new trains will support the government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero operations by 2050 whilst reflecting the reality that only 25% of the Northern network is currently electrified.”
The Next steps
There are no new trains just yet on the order books – just the initiation to tender at this point, with Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler competing for the order.
Northern Trains expects the contract will be awarded to the successful bidder or bidders in 2026, with an aim to have the first trains delivered to Northern by 2030.
For now, passengers will have to put up with ageing units as they are nursed along until the new trains finally appear.
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