Outdated, rickety and unpopular Pacer trains will be replaced by 2018 after new operator Arriva signed a deal worth nearly half a billion pounds with Spanish train manufacturer CAF.
After winning the Northern rail franchise in December, Arriva Rail North Limited promised to scrap the 30-year-old train carraiges and replace them with much more modern equivalents.
Rail franchise wins: WiFi, more seats and Pacers ditched as Arriva and First TPE promise ‘world class’ service
Now Arriva has a deal in place worth £490m.
CAF will build the 281 carriages with the first of the new 100mph trains expected to be delivered by October 2018.
The model has not been confirmed by Arriva but is expected to be CIVITY UK.
Arriva say their new carriages will come with free Wi-Fi, CCTV, power sockets, tables and air conditioning.
Chris Burchell, Managing Director of Arriva’s UK Trains Division, said: “We feel hugely privileged to have been given the opportunity to transform travel for passengers across the North of England and [this] contract signing allows us to replace the outdated, unpopular Pacer trains as soon as possible.
“We are delighted to partner with CAF and Eversholt Rail Group to meet the high specification and demanding timetable for delivery of the new rolling stock.
“I hope that today’s announcement once again makes clear our determination to deliver on our promises to passengers.”
A crammed Pacer train at Walkden station
The operator begins a nine-year contract for the Northern franchise from 1 April this year.
Alongside investment in better rolling stock Arriva has also promised extra services with increased capacity.
Arriva was supported through the procurement process by technical consultants, Racon, and legal advisors, Clyde & Co.
