Northern New Fleet and Cascade allocations (speculation).

[Snex]

I would imagine that the 195s have been chosen to operate on busier unnelectrified railway lines where their excellent acceleration and deceleration is of good use, particularly the routes around Sheffield which are resourced from Neville Hill. By comparison most Heaton worked routes do not interact with other express passenger services.

Imagine it'll be political aswell, it won't look good for the North East if all they get is, at best, cast-off 15 year old trains and everywhere else is getting shiny new trains. I'm sure the two Mayors in the area would have something to say about it aswell.

When even was the last new train up here, a Pacer? Because I'm struggling after.

 

[rattyben]

Imagine it'll be political aswell, it won't look good for the North East if all they get is, at best, cast-off 15 year old trains and everywhere else is getting shiny new trains. I'm sure the two Mayors in the area would have something to say about it aswell.

When even was the last new train up here, a Pacer? Because I'm struggling after.

This is an extract from email from Tees Valley Combined Authority (17th March 2026) with regards rolling stock…

“TVCA also shares your concerns regarding existing rolling stock and has regularly reported issues to Northern about overcrowding, for example on the Durham Coastline.

Northern has endeavored to strengthen services where possible although the availability of spare units is very limited, but the recent and very welcome introduction of additional services on the Durham Coast is helping.

In terms of upgrading existing trains, Northen has assured TVCA that all routes in the Tees Valley will be provided with brand new, longer trains as part of its rolling stock replacement program and the procurement process for this is now in its early stages. This will provide the required step change in both capacity and quality of trains across the Tees Valley.”

 

[xotGD]

This is an extract from email from Tees Valley Combined Authority (17th March 2026) with regards rolling stock…

“TVCA also shares your concerns regarding existing rolling stock and has regularly reported issues to Northern about overcrowding, for example on the Durham Coastline.

Northern has endeavored to strengthen services where possible although the availability of spare units is very limited, but the recent and very welcome introduction of additional services on the Durham Coast is helping.

In terms of upgrading existing trains, Northen has assured TVCA that all routes in the Tees Valley will be provided with brand new, longer trains as part of its rolling stock replacement program and the procurement process for this is now in its early stages. This will provide the required step change in both capacity and quality of trains across the Tees Valley.”

I remember when the Tees Valley was supposed to be getting a fleet of hydrogen trains.

Whatever happened to them?

 

[rattyben]

I remember when the Tees Valley was supposed to be getting a fleet of hydrogen trains.

Whatever happened to them?

Hydrogen Trains, Autonomous Trackless Trams, AI managed traffic system.

Houchen is a snake oil salesman’s dream.

 

[Snex]

This is an extract from email from Tees Valley Combined Authority (17th March 2026) with regards rolling stock…

“TVCA also shares your concerns regarding existing rolling stock and has regularly reported issues to Northern about overcrowding, for example on the Durham Coastline.

Northern has endeavored to strengthen services where possible although the availability of spare units is very limited, but the recent and very welcome introduction of additional services on the Durham Coast is helping.

In terms of upgrading existing trains, Northen has assured TVCA that all routes in the Tees Valley will be provided with brand new, longer trains as part of its rolling stock replacement program and the procurement process for this is now in its early stages. This will provide the required step change in both capacity and quality of trains across the Tees Valley.”

Interesting, mind must say there's so crafty wording there. If you quickly skimmed that you'd think every train was getting replaced but every route says very different. Is it once a day? Is it every service - who knows.

 

[sprinterguy]

When even was the last new train up here, a Pacer? Because I'm struggling after.

In terms of Heaton allocations for local services, then probably the 153s in 1992-ish, if they can be considered new units post-conversion. Prior to that it'd be the 156s and 158s, the latter initially for Transpennine work.