Deal to replace 'outdated' 30-year-old pacer trains struck

The firm, which previously won the Northern rail franchise, has ordered 281 carriages to replace the unpopular 30-year-old trains which will be delivered by October 2018.

The new 100mph trains will be built by train manufacturer CAF and have been financed by Eversholt Rail Group.

They will feature air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power sockets and tables, cycle racks, toilets, CCTV systems and visual on-board passenger information systems.

Transport bosses have promised that pacers would be removed from the line, with transport minister Patrick McLoughin previously pledging to get rid of the old trains.

Pacer trains, which have a bus body mounted on a freight wagon frame, were first introduced to Britain’s railways in the 1980s.

They were only expected to have a lifespan of 20 years, but some are still regularly used by Northern Rail.

From April 1 Arriva will begin operating the nine-year contract, and promise to deliver extensive investment in new and refurbished trains as well as extra services and increased capacity.

Alex Hynes, managing director of Arriva, will lead Northern's 5,500 employees after his appointment late last year.

The firm says his appointment as well as the new rolling stock announcement mark the first steps in its plan to transform the "long-term future of rail throughout the North of England".

Chris Burchell, managing director of Arriva’s UK trains division, said: "We feel hugely privileged to have been given the opportunity to transform travel for passengers across the North of England and today’s contract signing allows us to replace the outdated, unpopular Pacer trains as soon as possible.

"We are delighted to partner with CAF and Eversholt Rail Group to meet the high specification and demanding timetable for delivery of the new rolling stock.

"I hope that today’s announcement once again makes clear our determination to deliver on our promises to passengers."