Rolling stock manufacturer CAF has delivered the final Class 195 Civity train to Northern Trains, completing an order, awarded in 2016, for 25 two-car and 33 three-car sets.
The final 44 vehicles for the contract were assembled at the company’s new factory in Newport, which was opened by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales on 21 February, making this the first project to be completed at the facility.
These trains join a fleet of 43 Class 331 units which have also entered into service giving a combined order for Northern of 101 trains with a contract order of c£500m.
The last Class 195 three-car unit 195133, was handed over to Northern Trains at its Newton Neath depot on 4 December. This followed a period of test running between Preston and Carnforth enabling it to enter passenger service on 9 December.
The introduction of the 100th train coincides with the retirement of the final 35-year-old Pacer trains on 27 November, with the new units ensuring a step-change in quality for Northern’s customers.
The 100mph Class 195s are now carrying passengers across the North of England and offer an improved journey experience through the provision of WiFi, air conditioning, at seat power sockets and a more detailed Passenger Information System, as well as offering storage space for luggage and bicycles.
Richard Garner, CAF’s UK Director comments: “CAF are delighted to have delivered all of the trains in this important order and are confident that Northern’s customers across the North of England will enjoy the significant improvements that the new fleets will bring to their journeys.
“The completion of the order for Northern is the culmination of a successful collaboration between our company, Northern and Eversholt Rail. It is also the first project to be completed at our new state of the art factory in Newport, where work is now underway to fulfil the contracts for West Midlands Trains and Transport for Wales.”
Tricia Williams, Northern’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “It’s fantastic to reach such an important landmark and even better to know that, with the 100th new train in service, even more of our customers will be able to experience improved journeys.
“We expect to have our final new train in service early next year, completing the transformation programme that has delivered a step-change in journey experience for Northern passengers.”
Financed by Eversholt Rail, the trains also meet the latest standards for accessibility and are powered by engines that meet the stringent demands of the EU Stage IIIB emissions directive. They provide Standard Class seats for up to 123 passengers in a two-car unit and 203 in a three-car set.
Photo credit: CAF
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