Recently, MP for High Peak Robert Largan met Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, to review how the service is performing since the Government stepped in and took over the franchise earlier this year.
Robert discussed proposals to upgrade the Hope Valley line, build a railway station for Gamesley, and the need for CCTV to be installed at Dinting Station.
Northern recently confirmed that from 14 December additional peak services will resume on the Manchester Piccadilly to Hadfield line.
All of Northern’s aged rolling stock is in the process of being refurbished to ‘as new’ standard, and equipment to the latest Passenger of Reduced Mobility (PRM) standards.
The new trains will operate on the Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton and Manchester Piccadilly to Glossop lines. Work for all train units includes:
• Fitting of a disabled toilet
• New seat covers and cushions
• Deep cleaning
• New flooring and LED lighting
• Onboard automated announcements
• New onboard Passenger Information Screens
• USB charging sockets (Class 150 and 156 trains only)
• Wi-fi
Northern are receiving 101 new trains as part of their business improvement programme. 43 of these are electric (31x 3-car and 12x 4-car) and 58 are diesel (25x 2-car and 33x 3-car). To date, Northern have received all the electric units and all but 1 of the diesel trains. The diesel Class 195 trains operate on the Hope Valley line.
All new trains offer the following facilities:
• In 3-car form, they have 184 standard seats and 19 tip-up seats
• Air-conditioned throughout
• More space for luggage in overhead racks and between seats
• Plug sockets available from all standard seats
• Spacious 2+2 mix of table and airline-style seating
• Class-leading acceleration characteristics
• Equipped with the latest wheel slip protection systems, which are particularly beneficial in autumn conditions
• Colour LCD screens displaying a range of information including next stop, external temperature, etc.
• Wide doors at 1/3 and 2/3 spacing on each carriage for ease of boarding and alighting
Robert Largan MP commented:
“I’m pleased that train punctuality on all 3 lines that serve the High Peak has improved significantly, though this is partly down to Covid and fewer trains operating.
“Improving local public transport has been one of my top priorities. We’re making progress but there is a lot more to do.
“I was also pleased to learn that out of all the MPs on the Northern network, I contact Northern to raise issues on behalf of my constituents more than any other MP!”
