THE FIRST of Northern’s new fleet began testing in the UK this week.

The diesel train is part of a £500 million plan to replace the ageing stock currently used across the North West’s rail network.

It is expected to be followed soon by the first of Northern’s 43 new electric trains, manufactured by Spanish company CAF.

These vehicles are part of the company’s promise to improve the situation for passengers and comes alongside electrification work that is currently being completed by Network Rail.

However, because of the delays to that scheme, the first electrical services will not be seen in Bolton until at least May 2019.

When they do come, electric trains will be more environmentally friendly, but will also be quieter than diesel stock and able to accelerate and stop more quickly. This means that longer trains will be able to stop at the same platforms.

Alongside the electrical trains, there will be 55 modern diesel units coming that will also be used on the network.

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