Northern Rail

Northern Rail,<ref>Companies House extract company no 4619954 Northern Rail Limited</ref> branded as Northern, was an English train operating company owned by Serco-Abellio that operated the Northern Rail franchise from 2004 until 2016. It was the primary passenger train operator in Northern England, and operated the most stations of any train operating company in the United Kingdom. Northern Rail was replaced on 1 April 2016 by Arriva Rail North.

History

In 2000 the Strategic Rail Authority announced that it planned to reorganise the Regional Railways North West and Regional Railways North East franchises operated by First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern. A TransPennine Express franchise would be created for the long-distance regional services, with the remaining services to be operated by a new Northern Rail franchise.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On 1 July 2004 the Strategic Rail Authority awarded the franchise to Serco-NedRailways, beating FirstGroup.<ref name="SRAprebJuly04">Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> The franchise was awarded for six years and nine months, with a two-year extension subject to performance targets being achieved.

Serco-NedRailways' bid had assumed that some Class 142 Pacer trains would be released imminently when Manchester Metrolink services started between Manchester and Oldham. Due to a substantial delay in extending the Metrolink, it became clear that this was not going to be the case.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As a result, the contract signing was delayed, and the services operated by First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern did not transfer to Northern until 12 December 2004.

In May 2010 the Department for Transport confirmed that Northern had met the performance targets, and the franchise was extended for two years until September 2013.<ref name="franchiseextension">Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In May 2012 the Department for Transport granted Northern a six-month extension until 31 March 2014.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In March 2013 the Secretary of State for Transport announced the franchise would be further extended to February 2016.<ref>"Railway plan puts new focus on passengers". Secretary of State for Transport statement 26 March 2013.</ref>

In August 2014, the Department for Transport announced Abellio, Arriva and Govia had been shortlisted to bid for the next franchise.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

On 9 December 2015, it was announced that Arriva trading as Arriva Rail North had been awarded a new franchise to run from 1 April 2016 through to March 2025.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Before Abellio and Serco's Northern Rail franchise came to an end, unit 158906 received a refurbishment on one of its carriages which included free Wi-Fi, destination displays showing the expected time of arrival, and USB ports at each table.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Services

Additional services

In December 2008 Northern Rail introduced an express service from Template:Stnlink to Template:Stnlink calling at Template:Stnlink, Template:Stnlink, Template:Stnlink, Template:Stnlink, Template:Stnlink, Template:Stnlink, Template:Stnlink and Template:Stnlink<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> using a Template:Brc unit. The 10:17 service from Sheffield on Sundays continues to Carlisle creating a direct train service between Sheffield and Carlisle for the first time since the demise of British Rail. The service returns from Carlisle at 15:10.

In May 2015 Northern Rail announced the re-introduction of a direct service between Blackburn and Manchester Victoria via Burnley following the reopening of the Todmorden Curve.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> The service operates hourly, seven days a week.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Former services

Services on the route from Thorpes Bridge Junction, Newton Heath to Rochdale East Junction via Oldham, known as the Oldham Loop Line, ceased on 3 October 2009. The line was subsequently converted for Manchester Metrolink operation and reopened as a Metrolink route in 2012.<ref name="OldhamClosure">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Northern Electrics was a brand offering electrified rail from Liverpool to Manchester.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Performance

Northern Rail won Public Transport Operator of the Year 2007 at the National Transport Awards and was praised by the judges for attracting 20% more passengers since 2004.<ref> Template:Cite press release</ref> When the extension of its franchise was announced, Northern Rail stated that it had improved punctuality from 83.7% in the 12 months to December 2004 to 91.6% in the 12 months to May 2010, meaning that around 200 more trains per day were on time than in 2004.<ref name="franchiseextension"/>

In the period 15 October 2009 to 14 November 2009, Northern's punctuality was 91.1% and reliability was 92.2%.<ref>Performance figures, Northern Rail.</ref> Northern Rail's passenger charter targets were 91% for punctuality and 99% for reliability.

The franchise agreement commits to a 15% reduction in delays in the first five years and to a new 'incentive/penalty regime' and a more 'local focus on performance'.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

The latest official figures released by NR (Network Rail) rate punctuality (PPM) at 91.9% and an MAA of 90.7% for period 7 (2013/2014) and the 12 months up to 12 October 2013.<ref name="PerfP7">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The annual report for 2012, published in March 2013, of the Template:Lang<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> stated that Northern Rail transported 263,000 passengers daily. The customer satisfaction decreased to 80%. In May 2011 Northern Rail received the "Sustainable Business of the Year" award.

Criticism

Approach to fare evasion

Northern Rail had a reputationTemplate:Who for its rather tough approach on fare evasion, and was known to take passengers to court for underpaying by a matter of pence.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Rolling stock

Northern Rail operated a large diesel fleet, which was used on most services. There was also a smaller electric fleet used on shorter distance services around Leeds and Manchester and on services between Liverpool and Manchester.

Northern Rail inherited a fleet of Class 142, 144, 150, 153, 155, 156 and 158 diesel multiple units and Class 321, 323 and 333 electric multiple units from Arriva Trains Northern and First North Western.

In October 2006 Northern Rail leased six former Central Trains Class 158s that had been on loan to First Great Western.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

In March 2007 Northern Rail announced it would be acquiring a further 30 Class 158s from Arriva Trains Wales, Central Trains and First Great Western to replace 26 Class 142 Pacers.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> In the event, Northern Rail received only 19 Class 158s, but did gain eight centre carriages from East Midlands Trains in 2008 that were inserted into Northern Rail's ex-First North Western Class 158s.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> Twelve of the Class 142s were placed in store, then sublet to First Great Western from late 2007; five were returned to Northern Rail in the autumn of 2008 with the remaining seven following in the autumn of 2011.

From December 2008 until December 2011 Northern Rail leased three Class 180s for use on Template:Rws to Template:Stn and Template:Rws services.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

From July 2011 Northern Rail received 18 Class 150s from London Midland. In 2011, Northern Rail received the five former Stansted Express Class 322s from First ScotRail.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In March 2015 the first Class 319s entered service on the Template:Rws to Template:Stn service.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>

Fleet at end of franchise

Class	Image	Type	Top speed		Number	Routes	Built
			mph	km/h
37	File:37423 & Caroline Danesmoor.jpg	Loco	80	130	2	Cumbrian Coast Line (Monday to Saturday only)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Loco-hauled services were operated by Direct Rail Services on behalf of Northern Rail.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>	1960–1965
Mark 2 carriage		Coach			6		1963–1975
		DBSO			2		1974
142 Pacer	File:142066 Castleton East Junction.jpg	DMU	75	120	79	Template:Div col Manchester Victoria – Southport/Kirkby Chester – Manchester Piccadilly Southport – Chester (Sundays only) Manchester Piccadilly – New Mills/Rose Hill Marple/Sheffield Leeds – Morecambe/Lancaster/Sheffield/York Liverpool Lime St – Manchester Oxford Rd/Blackpool North Huddersfield – Manchester Victoria Colne – Blackpool South Cumbrian Coast Line Newcastle – Hexham/Middlesbrough Bishop Auckland/Darlington – Saltburn Middlesbrough – Hexham Crewe/Alderley Edge/Macclesfield – Manchester Piccadilly Stockport – Stalybridge (one train a week, northbound only) MetroCentre & Newcastle – Morpeth & Chathill Sheffield – Lincoln Sheffield – Brigg – Cleethorpes (Saturdays only) Hull – York Blackburn – Manchester Victoria	1985–1987
144 Pacer	File:Cleethorpes railway station MMB 01 144006.jpg				23	Template:Div col Leeds – Harrogate/York/Manchester Victoria (stopper)/Huddersfield/Goole/Sheffield/Morecambe Sheffield/Wakefield Westgate – Huddersfield Sheffield – Scunthorpe/Lincoln Sheffield – Brigg – Cleethorpes (Saturdays only) Sheffield – Barnsley – Penistone – Huddersfield Template:Div col end Also seen sometimes pulling Class 158s on the Caldervale line during peak time.	1986–1987
150/1 Sprinter	File:Starbeck railway station MMB 16 150211 150118.jpg				30	Template:Div col Manchester Victoria – Clitheroe/Leeds/Selby Colne – Blackpool South Manchester Piccadilly – Buxton/Sheffield/Rose Hill Marple Liverpool Lime Street – Blackpool North/Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester Victoria/Airport – Wigan Wallgate/Southport/Kirkby Chester – Manchester Piccadilly Southport – Altrincham – Chester (Sundays only) Blackburn – Manchester Victoria Huddersfield – Manchester Victoria	1984–1987
150/2 Sprinter	File:150277 Northern Rail Castleton East Jcn.jpg				28	Template:Div col Manchester Victoria – Clitheroe/Leeds Huddersfield – Selby Colne – Blackpool South Wakefield Kirkgate – Knottingley Manchester Piccadilly – Buxton/Sheffield/Rose Hill Marple Liverpool Lime Street – Blackpool North/Manchester Oxford Rd Manchester Victoria/Airport – Wigan Wallgate/Southport Chester – Altrincham – Manchester Piccadilly Southport – Altrincham – Chester (Sundays only) Blackburn – Manchester Victoria Huddersfield – Manchester Victoria York – Knaresborough/Harrogate/Burley Park (Leeds) Leeds – Harrogate/Knaresborough/Poppleton (York)
153 Super Sprinter	File:153328 Doncaster.JPG				18	Template:Div col Manchester Victoria – Clitheroe Colne – Blackpool South Preston – Ormskirk Leeds – Knottingley Wakefield Kirkgate – Knottingley Morecambe/Heysham Port/Lancaster – Barrow in Furness/Maryport/Carlisle (Cumbrian Coast Line) Cleethorpes – Barton-on-Humber (Barton Line) Template:Div col end Also seen coupled to other trains for additional capacity, sometimes seen in South Yorkshire replacing services usually run by Pacers.	1987–1988 (converted 1991–1992)
155 Super Sprinter	File:Leeds railway station MMB 33 155347.jpg				7	Template:Div col Leeds – Harrogate/Knaresborough/Poppleton (York) York – Knaresborough/Harrogate/Burley Park (Leeds) Leeds – Bradford – Manchester Victoria Leeds – Brighouse – Manchester Victoria (Mondays to Saturdays only)	1988
156 Super Sprinter	File:Northern Rail Class 156, 156421, Liverpool South Parkway railway station (geograph 3786972).jpg				42	Template:Div col Colne – Blackpool South (Sundays only) Cumbrian Coast Line Newcastle – Carlisle Blackpool North – Manchester Victoria Preston – Hazel Grove Liverpool Lime Street – Blackpool North/Manchester Oxford Road Manchester Piccadilly – Rose Hill Marple/Buxton/Sheffield Helsby – Ellesmere Port/Warrington Bank Quay Manchester Victoria/Airport – Wigan Wallgate/Southport/Kirkby Chester – Manchester Piccadilly Southport – Altrincham – Chester (Sundays only) Nunthorpe – Hexham (select journeys only) Middlesbrough – Whitby Middlesbrough – Carlisle (select journeys only; 2 were transferred to East Midlands Trains 2012 to 2013)	1987–1989
158/7 Express Sprinter	File:158755 Castleton East Junction.jpg		90	140	35	Express services including: York – Blackpool North Nottingham – Sheffield – Barnsley – Leeds Hull – York Sheffield/Hull – Bridlington/Scarborough Leeds – Carlisle Leeds – Brighouse – Manchester Victoria (Mondays to Saturdays only) Leeds – Bradford – Manchester Victoria<ref name="Northern Rail">Template:Cite press release</ref> Template:Div col end Also occasionally seen on the Harrogate Line and other services as a replacement for booked Class 142/144/150s etc.	1989–1992
158/9 Express Sprinter	File:158901 , Lower Pilsley.jpg				10
319/3	File:Northern Electrics Class 319, 319382, platform 3, Huyton railway station (geograph 4511991).jpg	EMU	100	160	20	Electrified services out of Liverpool Lime Street: Liverpool Lime Street – Manchester Airport/Manchester Victoria/Warrington Bank Quay Liverpool Lime Street – Wigan North Western Liverpool Lime Street/Liverpool South Parkway – Preston Manchester Piccadilly – Manchester Airport	1990
					File:Class 319 Northern Diagram.png
321/9	File:Hugh llewelyn 321 902 (6286267604).jpg				3	Template:Div col Wakefield Line Leeds – Doncaster Template:Div col end Also used on peak-time weekday services on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines.	1991
322	File:Leeds railway station MMB 38 322482.jpg				5		1990
323	File:Northern Rail Class 323, 323224, Alderley Edge railway station (geograph 4524576).jpg		90	140	17	Electrified routes in and out of Manchester Piccadilly: Manchester Piccadilly – Alderley Edge/Crewe/Glossop/Hadfield/Hazel Grove/Macclesfield/Manchester Airport/Stoke-on-Trent/Manchester United Football Ground (selected matchdays only)	1992–1995
333	File:333002 A Leeds.JPG		100	160	16	Template:Div col Leeds/Bradford Forster Square – Ilkley (Wharfedale Line) Leeds/Bradford Forster Square – Skipton (Airedale Line) Leeds – Bradford Forster Square<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Div col end	2000–2003
					File:Class 333 Northern Rail Diagram.PNG

Stations

In 2009, Northern Rail operated 471 stations; more than any other train operating company in the UK.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The number fell to 462 later in the same year following closure of the Oldham Loop Line,<ref>Action stations booklet Template:Webarchive, Network Rail, 2009</ref> and increased to 463 by 2013.<ref name="Prospectus">Transformation in Partnership – Northern Prospectus, Department for Transport, June 2014</ref> New stations include Buckshaw Parkway in 2011, and James Cook in 2014. By 2013, trains operated by Northern Rail called at 526 stations.<ref name="Prospectus" />

Depots

Template:More citations needed section The maintenance depots used by Northern Rail were located at: Template:Columns-list The train crew depots were located at: Template:Columns-list To run the Cleethorpes to Barton service, one class 153 was stabled at Cleethorpes overnight and was cleaned, the train crew which ran the service were First TransPennine Express staff.

External links

• Template:Commons category-inline
• Official website

Template:S-start Template:S-bef Template:S-ttl Template:S-aft |- Template:S-bef

{{safesubst:#if:|||} }}{{safesubst:#invoke:Check for unknown parameters|check|unknown=Template:Main other|preview=Page using Template:End with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| html | 1 }}