Northern to replace ageing trains with refurbished Class 350 fleet

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 16:44 · Archive

Northern will introduce 37 refurbished Class 350 trains across Manchester and the North West from early 2028, replacing ageing Class 323 trains.

Northern has announced plans to introduce 37 refurbished Class 350 trains across Manchester and the wider North West from early 2028, replacing its ageing Class 323 fleet. The investment is part of a £25 million improvement programme aimed at boosting comfort, reliability and capacity across some of the region's busiest rail routes.

The upgraded Class 350 trains will feature air conditioning, additional carriages, luggage racks and at-seat power points. This will be the first time at-seat power is available on many routes in the region. The trains will also be fitted with Variable Rate Sander technology, which can reduce stopping distances by up to 50 per cent in slippery conditions.

Tricia Williams, managing director at Northern, said: 'The introduction of these trains is fantastic news for our customers across the North West. These trains are much newer than the trains they are replacing, which are now reaching the end of their working lives. They will make a real difference to our customers, with air conditioning, more carriages, more space, and a more pleasant environment throughout.'

Williams added that the new trains would be more reliable and built around customer requirements. Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said the refurbished trains would deliver immediate improvements with more space, air conditioning and greater reliability, describing it as another step in the transformation of railways in the North.

How it is being reported

• Northern to replace ageing fleet with upgraded trains from 2028Train assengers can look forward to cooler journeys and more space as part of a major upgrade.Westmorland Gazette · 8 Oct, 16:30
• Northern to replace ageing fleet with upgraded trains from 2028Train assengers can look forward to cooler journeys and more space as part of a major upgrade.Whitehaven News · 8 Oct, 16:30
• Northern to replace ageing fleet with upgraded trains from 2028Train assengers can look forward to cooler journeys and more space as part of a major upgrade.NW Evening Mail · 8 Oct, 16:30
• Northern to replace ageing fleet with upgraded trains from 2028Train assengers can look forward to cooler journeys and more space as part of a major upgrade.News & Star · 8 Oct, 16:30

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

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