Rail operator,
Northern, is beginning the procurement process for up to 450 new trains for their network.
The Tender,
which is viewable on the UK Government website, states that the objective of the tender is to enter into a framework agreement for the manufacture and supply of new trains and the associated support and spares supply.
This will allow Northern Trains Limited to withdraw and replace a significant quantity of its aging fleet.
The government document says that the framework agreement may see up to 450 units procured, though this may be across multiple call-offs.
The first call off contract will be entered into with the framework agreement and are for ‘multi-mode' multiple units
It is anticipated that the successful company will offer new rolling stock with a minimum life of 35 years and couple be converted to become electric multiple units or battery multiple units, with future phases being electric / battery powered from new.
Northern has, in the past few years, withdrawn its Pacer trains and introduced new CAF Class 195 Diesel Multiple Units and Class 331 Electric Multiple Units.
The Government document states requests to participate in the tender can be sent in up until the 25th September 2023.
