15.05.15
Northern to launch eight more Class 319s
Northern Rail is to launch eight more electric Class 319s into service on Sunday, bringing the total number operating up to 10.
The first two have been running on the newly electrified line between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport. RTM previously reported on the first day they took to the rails in March.
The introduction of the additional trains comes alongside the completion of the next phase of route electrification to Manchester Victoria and Wigan North Western, and means that most services between Liverpool, Wigan and Manchester will be provided by electric trains.
The trains are the latest additions to a fleet of 20 that are ultimately being cascaded from Thameslink and will eventually service the north west for Northern.
All the new 319s have been refurbished at the TOC’s Allerton depot. The work includes new look exterior paintwork, refreshed interiors and newly-installed on-board digital screens and automated audio announcements.
RTM’s Sam McCaffrey paid a visit to the depot to see the carriages being worked on and take a ride on one of the refurbished trains before the new services were launched.
Alex Hynes, managing director for Northern Rail said: “These additional services are another step towards bringing a fully electrified service to the North West; Northern is committed to delivering a great customer experience and our investment in these trains demonstrates how important that is to us.
“With more trains and services being added throughout 2015, more and more customers are set to benefit from more seats, a fresh new look and improved customer information on our electric services.”
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