The class 195 DMUs and class 331 EMUs, built by CAF and owned by leasing company Eversholt Rail, are now undergoing a first round of main line testing which will continue over the next few months as Northern prepares to launch the first new train into service on the Chester-Leeds route by the end of the year.
The new trains, part of Northern’s £500m modernisation programme, feature free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, at-seat power and seat reservation systems.
“The first of the new trains arrived in the UK in June and we’ve received a further three since then,” says Northern’s engineering director, Mr Ben Ackroyd. “Passengers in the northwest will get a chance to see the trains as they are being tested. There’s a real sense of anticipation amongst the team here at Northern as we look forward to introducing a step change in what we offer our customers.”
The trains are a key element in Northern’s wider modernisation programme, alongside train refurbishments, station upgrades and other service enhancements.
