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New CAF trains for Northern begin testing in the UK

The first round of dynamic UK testing for rail operator Northern’s new CAF-manufactured trains are underway.

Tests are running on the North West network following track testing in the Czech Republic, with the state-of-the-art trains to be launched into service by the end of the year.

Eight vehicles – four Class 195 and four Class 331 vehicles – have been in Liverpool’s Edge Hill depot for three months where commissioning work has been preparing them for the next stage of testing.

Ben Ackroyd, Northern’s engineering director, said: “The first of the new trains arrived in the UK in June; we’ve received a further three since then and we now have two of each type of train here for testing.

“It’s very rewarding to see the fleet coming together and the start of the UK track testing is really bringing the project to life after months of design and construction work.

“Our rail passengers based in the North West, who get a chance to see the trains as they are tested, are going to see something really special, a real step-change in what Northern offers its customers.”

Manufacturer CAF Rail UK is supplying 98 units in total, with the trains owned by Eversholt Rail but leased to Northern as part of the company’s modernisation programme.

Richard Garner, CAF's UK Director comments: "Track testing of the vehicles in the UK is yet another milestone and takes us a step closer to their launch into passenger service.

“We are confident our high-quality, high-performance trains will deliver the best possible customer experience on this important and busy rail network operated by Northern across the North of England."

The units consist of 25 two-car and 30 three-car Class 195 diesel multiple units (DMUs) as well as 31 three-car and 12 four-car Class 331 electric multiple units (EMUs).

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