Northern to refurbish 37 trains with air conditioning by 2028

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 16:55 · Archive

Northern plans to refurbish 37 trains with air conditioning and extra carriages across the North West from early 2028.

Train operator Northern has announced a £25m refurbishment programme to introduce 37 Class 350 trains across Greater Manchester and the North West. The upgraded trains will begin replacing the existing Class 323 vehicles from early 2028.

The refurbished trains will feature air conditioning, more carriages and additional luggage racks. Passengers will also have access to at-seat sockets on many routes for the first time. The trains will include Variable Rate Sander technology, which can reduce stopping distances by up to 50 per cent to help maintain reliable services in poor weather conditions.

Tricia Williams, Managing Director at Northern, said the new trains are much newer than those they are replacing, which are reaching the end of their working lives. She stated they will 'make a real difference to our customers' with improved comfort and reliability. Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said passengers across Manchester and the North West 'deserve a railway that is reliable, comfortable and fit for the future'.

How it is being reported

• Northern confirms when Manchester will get new trains with 'air conditioning and more space' in £25m upgradeThe upgraded trains will be launched in early 2028Manchester Evening News · 8 Oct, 16:01
• Air conditioning and more carriages as Northern plans to spend £25m refurbishing trains in Lancashire and NWPassengers will be able to enjoy air conditioned carriages - and more of them - as part of a planned £25m rollout of refurbished Northern trains with ‘Great British Railway’ branding across Lancashire and the North West. But you’ll have to wait until 2028.Manchester World · 8 Oct, 15:49

In this story: Northern · Greater Manchester · North West · Tricia Williams · Lord Peter Hendy

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