Response to new trains introduced by Northern
Northern have launched their new fleet of trains which will begin carrying passengers from Monday 1 July
1 July 2019
Today (Monday 1 July), train operator Northern will begin carrying passengers on their new fleet of trains. Nine trains will enter service today, with the addition 101 new trains due to be rolled out over the coming months.
Commenting on the introduction of new trains by Northern, Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Lead, said:
“The start of services using these new trains is an important step forward for passengers who, for far too long, have had to endure journeys on outdated and unreliable rolling stock.
“However, we will not have the modern, reliable rail network we need to underpin the North’s economic ambitions until we see significant investment to deliver extra capacity, including the delivery of HS2 in full and Northern Powerhouse Rail with a line through Bradford city centre.”
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said:
“The new trains promised in the Northern and TransPennine franchises are key to providing extra capacity within the existing rail network in addition to improving the travelling experience for passengers.
“With the autumn peak in demand on the rail network fast approaching it is vital the operators have sufficient rolling stock in place to ensure passengers are not left on platforms.”