PASSENGERS hope the introduction of brand new trains through Bolton will help to reduce problems with delays and cancellations.

The new stock, launched by rail operator Northern yesterday, includes 101 newly-built trains – a mixture of electric and diesel engines – which will hit the tracks on Monday, July 1.

It comes after frustration with the train firm has grown, particularly following a spate of delays and cancellations after a disastrous timetable change in May 2018.

However, Northern says it has improved its record and Jeff Davies, chair of the Bolton Rail Users Group, hopes this new fleet can help to further increase quality for passengers.

"We've been waiting for this for a long time for this,” he said.

“But, we have now, at last, seen the trains here in the metal and ready to run on Northern’s services.

"There are 100 in total to come and they should make a huge difference to passengers' experiences and Northern's ability to run them on time without any cancellations."

Each of these new trains features free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, at-seat power and customer information screens with real-time information, although it is the design and reliability of the stock which Northern is hoping will make a major difference.

Northern has also promised that the introduction of its new trains will mean the end of the widely disliked Pacers, first introduced in the 1980s.

Prof Paul Salveson, chair of the Bolton Station Community Partnership, agreed with Mr Davies’ views but said rail companies must continue to grow.

“They are very nice trains and have waited for them for a very long time,” he said.

“I think it will ease some of the frustration, but it will also stimulate demand so more people will be travelling. We need constant growth in the industry and Northern is very aware of that.