Northern Trains, the public rail operator in the north of England, has begun a major overhaul of its rolling stock by acquiring up to 450 new trains.
This process will extend over the next decade and aims to replace approximately two-thirds of its current trains.
The initiative prioritises replacing obsolete trains, such as the 150, 155, and 156 classes. In their place, new electric, diesel-electric, or battery-powered electric trains will be installed in line with the government’s emission reduction targets.
In addition, the rolling stock purchase includes 12 three-car electric trains to link York, Leeds, Huddersfield, and Manchester.
In this first phase, renowned manufacturers such as Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler have been invited to submit bids.
The new trains will modernise Northern Trains’ operations, simplify management, reduce maintenance costs, and improve resource allocation.
The company expects to award contracts in 2026 and receive the first units in 2030.