The first vehicle of a new fleet of trains for Northern Ireland Railways has arrived at Belfast docks from the CAF works in Spain.
The 20-strong fleet of Class 4000s will replace the remaining old stock on Translink, Ulster’s rail system. The Class 4000 will complement the existing fleet of Class 3000 trains. The first of the £114m new fleet was unloaded at Belfast docks and transported to Translink’s York Road engineering depot by road.
Speaking at Belfast docks, Group Chief Executive Catherine Mason said, ‘Two years ago the contract was signed securing the supply of these new trains and it is with great delight that we are now welcoming the start of their arrival. This new fleet highlights government’s continued commitment to providing people with state-of-the-art public transport and I would like to thank the Regional Development Minister and the NI Assembly for their ongoing support.
‘With over 60% customer growth since 2002 it is clear that more and more people are now choosing the train as the more attractive and good value travel option. Indeed this year we are on schedule to carry even more customers than ever before. These new trains will allow us to build on this success in order to further contribute sustainably to the social, environmental and economic development of the North.’
