Rattlers given comfort boost

The company, which operates local routes across the county, has started improvement work on some of the oldest trains on the rail network.

Eight diesel units are getting reconditioned seating with new seat covers fitted, as well as the creation of a priority seating area. They will also get a complete repaint, have refurbished toilets and new tables.

Sliding doors will be removed to allow better wheelchair access.

Stuart Draper, Director of Engineering for Northern Rail explained: “We are known to have some of the oldest trains on the rail network and this refresh project is testament to our customers that we are committed to improving their journeys with us. “As our 153 trains operate across our entire network, millions of passengers will experience these improvements.

“Customers have told us they’d like to see a better on-board environment and we’re passionate about acting on these requests.

“These refreshes to our fleet, add to the carriages we have already improved and we hope passengers will notice the developments as we plan even more for the future.”

The first of the trains, which operate between Preston, Blackpool, Colne and Ormskirk, is already back in service, with the rest expected to be completed by early autumn.

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