05.12.19
New Northern trains announced across their routes
Rail operator, Northern, announced yesterday (Dec 4) that more than 50 new northern trains will be in service from Dec 15, with a further 49 to be operational in 2020.
Brand new trains will serve Lincoln, Gainsborough, Worksop, Nottingham for Lincoln and East Midlands and Leeds and Sheffield for South Yorkshire.
The new trains will boast free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning media screens with real -time information and at-seat power.
Steve Hopkinson, Northern’s Regional Director said:
“The Northern network is busier than it has been for a generation – more than 100 million customer journeys will be made on Northern services in 2019 – and the introduction of new trains is at the heart of delivering improvements for our customers.
“We are delighted, therefore, that customers travelling through South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the East Midlands will now be served by brand new trains.
“These fantastic trains are a true step-change in travelling experience and we are extremely proud to be delivering a £500m investment for our customers.”
Visit Lincoln has been working with Northern to help show off the business and leisure opportunities in the area. Chief executive Mike Timson, said the new trains present ‘huge economic benefits’ for Lincoln.
Andrew Denniff, chief executive of Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce added:
“We are looking to grow our economy in a way where everyone gets a full opportunity to succeed – and also in a sustainable way. Trains are a very energy efficient and carbon friendly way to transport passengers around our Region and beyond.”
“We are now seeing the promised investment and so today is a day for celebration. It is the start of a new era of rail travel in South Yorkshire and I warmly welcome it on behalf of all businesses.”
Northern are in the process of fully refurbishing its existing fleet of 268 trains, improving its station and has introduced more than 2,000 services a week since 2016.
Photo: Northern