THE region's new train fleet is set to come to Bolton in the coming months.

After a delayed start, Northern introduced the first of its £500m set of brand new vehicles in July and passengers have now made more than two million journeys.

Around one-third of the fleet is now in service, with 68 trains still to get on track.

David Brown, Northern’s Managing Director, said the new vehicles were part of efforts to improve the struggling franchise.

“Our network is busier than it has been for a generation, with more than 100 million journeys set to be made this year," he said.

“To meet this demand we are delivering 101 brand new trains – a £500m investment – alongside an upgrade of our existing trains and improvements at stations.

“Our fantastic new trains are a true step-change in travelling experience and I’m delighted that more than two million journeys have already been made.”

He added: “We now have 33 brand new trains serving customers, with more to come during the rest of 2019 and into 2020. That means even more customers will get the chance to experience all that the trains have to offer.”

By the end of the rollout programme, expected to be finished by May 2020, the 101 new trains will be serving passengers at 154 stations in the North.