Train refurbishment project nears completion

Northern has announced it is nearing completion of the first phase of train refurbishment, part of a £100 million transformation for the network.

The final train (pictured) to see refurbishment will receive improved customer comforts on-board, including upgrades to seating, lighting, paintwork and baby-changing facilities, and is now being worked on at Arriva Train Centre in Crewe. More than 260 trains have now been refurbished in eight depots across the North.

The operator is now planning its next phase of improvements, delivering ‘Digital Trains’ that offer free WiFi, CCTV, enhanced and real time customer information screens and a raft of on-board systems designed to improve train performance and maintenance.

Tricia Williams, Chief Operating Officer at Northern, said:

It’s fantastic to have reached such a key milestone in our bid to transform the the service for our customers.

“When this last train comes out of the depot it will mean all our customers, wherever and whenever they travel on our network, will make their journeys on new or refurbished trains.

“We are absolutely committed to making a positive impact for the north of England and there is no better way to do that than to give our customers better journeys on improved trains.”

The improvements Northern is making to its trains form part of its wider campaign, Better Way to Go, which is also delivering enhancements to stations and to the overall customer experience, including new and improved ways to find and buy tickets, improved car parks and station lighting.

Macclesfield station upgrades get underway