New direct journeys from Lincoln to Leeds are among the improvements set to take place as train operator Northern begins UK track testing for its new trains.
The operator will oversee the complete removal of Pacer trains by the end of 2019 and will invest £500 million in 281 brand new air-conditioned carriages.
It will also run regional and commuter services cross the north until March 2025.
The first of the £500 million new trains made its debut trial run on the UK network on Monday, September 17 and the trains are now going through their first round of dynamic testing on the UK rail network.
The testing will continue into the autumn as Northern gets ready to launch the first new train into service by the end of the year.
Customers will experience an upgrade on every one of 98 new trains, with features including free customer Wifi, air conditioning, at-seat power and seat reservation systems.
Other improvements
Other improvements on the Northern network include more than 2,000 extra services each week, with 400 additional Sunday services, including new direct journeys from Lincoln to Leeds.
There will also be nearly a 40% increase in capacity creating space for 31,000 extra passengers travelling into the five major commuter cities of the north during morning rush hour, which includes Leeds.
A new high-quality ‘Northern Connect’ service, meaning new or refurbished trains on longer-distance services, faster journeys and stations staffed daily with catering services and free Wifi at each one.
This network will serve the five major commuter cities as well as Lincoln.
Northern’s Engineering Director Ben Ackroyd said: “The first of the new trains arrived in the UK in June and we’ve received a further three since then. It’s very rewarding to see our new trains programme reach such an important milestone. The start of UK track testing really brings the project to life after months of design and construction work.
“Passengers in the North West will get a chance to see the trains as they are being tested. There’s a real sense of anticipation amongst the team here at Northern as we look forward to introducing a step change in what we offer our customers.”
Spotted an error? Please notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
From 4am on Tuesday, December 7, anyone wishing to travel to the UK must show proof of a negative PCR or LFD pre-departure test, taken no earlier than 48 hours before departure. This applies to vaccinated passengers and children aged 12 and above.
Nigeria will slo be added to the travel red list from 4am Monday, December 6, following 21 cases of Omicron reported in England which are linked to travel from this country, with 134 UK cases now reported in total.
New Government analysis indicates the window between infection and infectiousness may be shorter for the Omicron COVID variant, which increases the efficacy of pre-departure testing as it is more likely to identify positive cases before travel.
Airlines will be required to check for pre-departure tests alongside completed Passenger Locator Form, and passengers will not be allowed to board a flight without providing evidence of a negative test result.
Given the reduced incubation period of the Omicron variant, passengers are advised to take the pre-departure test as close as possible to their scheduled departure to the UK and no earlier than 48 hours before travelling.
The Government said these additional measures are vital to delay the import of additional cases and slow the rise in cases within the UK.
All temporary measures will be reviewed after three weeks to ensure that they remain necessary and proportionate, and this will take place on December 20.
Animal Protection Services is offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of people involved in badger baiting following an incident in Lincolnshire.
A badger was rescued by Lincolnshire Badger Group from a warehouse in Market Rasen, which had suffered injuries that were consistent with badger baiting.
Badger baiting is a form of blood sport that involves a dog being forced to fight with a badger.
Unfortunately, due the serious injuries sustained, the vet was forced to euthanise the badger.
Jacob Lloyd, a trustee of Animal Protection Services, said: “Badger baiting is a horrific cruel blood sport that affects the welfare of dogs and badgers.
“These wild animals will suffer immensely in the moments’ leading up to their deaths.
“This is a despicable crime that was made illegal in 1835. Despite it being illegal, we are hearing of more badger baiting cases than ever before.”
“We are offering a reward of up to £1,000 for information leading to a conviction of badger baiting.
“All of the information that is provided to us will be treated in the strictest confidence and any source may wish to remain anonymous.”
Anyone with information should call Animal Protection Services on 020 4534 2786 or send information by email to [email protected].
Whatsapp
