Northern’s new CAF-built electric and diesel trains are to begin the next phase of testing on the rail network around the North West.
The milestone represents the first round of dynamic testing in the UK, having already completed test running at the Velim test track in the Czech Republic.
A Class 195 has now completed the first test run on the West Coast main line between Warrington and Carnforth.
Four Class 195 and four Class 331 trains are currently stabled at Liverpool’s Edge Hill
depot for commissioning, ready to enter service later this year.
CAF’s contract is for 98 units: 25 two-car and 30 three-car Class 195Â DMUs and 31 three-car and 12 four-car Class 331 EMUs.
Richard Garner, CAF’s UK director, said: “Track testing of the vehicles in the UK is yet another milestone and takes us a step closer to their launch into passenger service.
“We are confident our high-quality, high-performance trains will deliver the best possible
customer experience on this important and busy rail network operated by Northern
across the North of England.”
Ben Ackroyd, Northern’s engineering director, said: “The first of the new trains arrived in
the UK in June; we’ve received a further three since then and we now have two of each
type of train here for testing. It’s very rewarding to see the fleet coming together and the
start of the UK track testing is really bringing the project to life after months of design and
construction work.
“Our rail passengers based in the North West, who get a chance to see the trains as they
are tested, are going to see something really special, a real step-change in what
Northern offers its customers.”
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