Northern ‘769s’ in diesel-mode only

Northern drivers have been instructed to drive Class 769 bi-mode trains in diesel-mode only “until further notice”.

The notice to train crews came into force on May 23, and is believed to relate to possible interference with signalling equipment when the ‘769s’ draw an overhead power supply.

Northern became the first operator of the ‘769s’ when eight four-car units - converted from off-lease Class 319 electric multiple units - entered service in May 2021 for use on trains to Wigan North Western, Alderley Edge and Stalybridge.

Other variants of the class have been ordered by both Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway.

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern told

RAIL: “There is an ongoing investigation into a fault which is believed to have caused a signalling issue, so we are currently only running our ‘769s’ in diesel mode until further notice.

“Once this investigation is complete, a further decision will be made as to the available modes for all Class 769s.”