Northern Rail introduces additional electric trains to the North West

Northern Rail will introduce a further eight electric trains to the North West service on the 17th May 2015 increasing the total number operating to ten.

The North West saw two electric trains enter service in March 2015 through a Northern, Serco and Abellio joint venture. The Class 319 trains began operation on the newly electrified route between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport.

The introduction of additional electric trains has coincided with completion of the next phase of line electrification between Manchester Victoria and Wigan North Western. The majority of services between Liverpool, Wigan and Manchester will now be provided by electric trains.

The trains are the latest additions to a total of 20 that will eventually service the North West for Northern Rail.

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.”