Northern Rail's ageing and unreliable trains could be replaced by up to 450 new units if the UK Government approves a funding bid, according to Greater Manchester transport bosses.
The rail operator is currently bidding for what would be its largest ever investment in its fleet. If the cash is handed out, new trains would be introduced on a phased basis, replacing the oldest units, most of which have been in service since the 1980s and 90s. Approximately two thirds of the existing fleet is targeted to be replaced in the next ten years.
Phased introduction and timeline
According to Northern's website, contracts are hoped to be awarded in 2027, with the first trains delivered by 2030. A total of 130 new trains would be delivered as part of phase one over three years, replacing trains at or near 'the end of their life'.
An update on the investment plan was given at a recent Bee Network committee meeting following questions on transport issues across Greater Manchester.
Transport commissioner's call for support
In response to questions raised by councillors, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt said: "There is a crucial development in terms of railway accessibility coming in the form of Northern trains going out to market for the new rolling stock.
"Now we are going to need all of the support we can muster from you [members of the committee] and residents to help the Department for Transport win over with the Treasury to actually place that order.
"We all know the stock is ageing, unreliable, and not accessible."
He said he would be coming back to the committee with more details in the future to help Northern make the case to the government for more funding. This improvement to trains would come alongside Transport for Greater Manchester money being used to make stations more accessible.
Other transport issues raised
A number of other issues were raised during the meeting. Following a question from Bramhall councillor Peter Crossen about speeding on the A555, officers said they would be keen to work at introducing average speed cameras along that route.
Coun Crossen also raised concerns about rush hour bus services in his ward being left 'so full they aren't stopping', adding: "I am also receiving reports of buses running early or significantly late." Raising rail issues too, he worried his residents were paying 'first class levels of tax but receiving a second class transport service'.
GMCA officers said they would look into some of the issues raised, including reduced transport services on Sundays. Chief Network Officer Danny Vaughan said the rail situation was frustrating and had 'gone on for too long', adding: "We are committed to getting the situation resolved and putting as much pressure on the rail industry to get that resolved at the highest level."
At the beginning of the meeting, Greater Manchester Mayor Bev Craig talked about her priority to improve public transport across the region. She said her plans were 'ambitious' but she is 'keen to expand' while also being financially sustainable.
She said progress was being made on plans to bring Metrolink into the borough of Stockport as well as improve tram connections in other parts of Greater Manchester such as Heywood.
