Northern’s new trains break down just five months after coming into service

THE NORTHERN rail company has admitted that a number of their 52 new trains have already broken down and been taken out of service.

Around £500m was spent on the fleet of Class 195 diesel and Class 331 electric units, which went into service last July. Northern

ordered 101 new trains and have taken delivery of 52 so far. And now a member of Northern staff has told that maintenance issues with the new rolling stock, rather than older trains, are causing cancellations.

Northern has admitted that service withdrawals can occur when more trains need repairs at the same time than would normally be the case.

This explanation was provided on January 15 when trains in the Leeds area were cancelled. And the anonymous source said that in recent months the breakdowns have been primarily affecting the new fleet, rather than the 40-year-old Pacer diesels which became notorious for their poor reliability.

The trains were built by CAF at a plant in Spain and were tested in the Czech Republic.

They are leased by

Northern

from owners Eversholt Rail. Northern admitted that there had been teething problems with the fleet that had not become apparent during testing.

A spokesman said: “Our new trains (Class 195 and 331), which were introduced with full support from CAF and our own staff, have been through rigorous testing.

“But, as with any new piece of equipment, there can sometimes be problems which only become apparent when in regular service.

“As soon as we are aware of an issue we take action – either ourselves or through our service contract and warranty with CAF – to ensure necessary repairs are carried out as soon as practicable.”

Northern refused to say how many of the units have been affected. Franchise holder Arriva was told earlier this month it was likely to be stripped of its operating rights.