Northern Rail

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.yhtar.org.uk/tpebriefnote.pdf|title=The Trans-Pennine Express rail franchise|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041020125001/http://www.yhtar.org.uk/tpebriefnote.pdf|archive-date=20 October 2004|work=Yorkshire & The Humber Transport Activist's Roundtable Briefing Note|url-status=usurped|date=October 2001}}

On 1 July 2004 the Strategic Rail Authority awarded the franchise to Serco-NedRailways, beating FirstGroup.{{cite press release |url= http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2004/2004b/onedrailwaysannouncedasp1487.pdf |archive-url= http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090825141633/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2004/2004b/onedrailwaysannouncedasp1487.pdf |title= Serco-NedRailways Announced as Preferred Bidder for new Northern Rail Franchise |date=1 July 2004 |publisher= Strategic Rail Authority |access-date=23 June 2009 |archive-date=25 August 2009}}{{cite web |url= http://www.mcrua.org.uk/documents/mcrr62_1227426327.pdf |title= Rail Report No.62 |date=December 2004 |publisher=Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association |access-date=23 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327155355/http://www.mcrua.org.uk/documents/mcrr62_1227426327.pdf|archive-date=27 March 2009}}{{cite magazine |title= Serco/NED Rail is poised to secure Northern franchise |magazine= Rail Magazine |issue=492 |date= 21 July 2004 |page=14 |location= Peterborough}} 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.{{cite web |url= http://www.mcrua.org.uk/documents/mcrr61_1227425982.pdf |title= Rail Report No.61 |date=Autumn 2004 |publisher=Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327155424/http://www.mcrua.org.uk/documents/mcrr61_1227425982.pdf|archive-date=27 March 2009}} 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.{{cite press release |url= http://www.northernrail.org/news/6407 |publisher=Northern Rail |title=Northern Secures Two Year Franchise Extension |date=13 May 2010 |access-date=6 September 2010}}{{cite web|date=13 May 2010|title=Stock Exchange Announcement|url=http://www.serco.com/Images/northernrail_tcm3-35551.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127190034/http://www.serco.com/Images/northernrail_tcm3-35551.pdf|archive-date=2010-11-27|access-date=27 November 2015|work=Serco}} In May 2012 the Department for Transport granted Northern a six-month extension until 31 March 2014.{{cite news |url= http://www.globalrailnews.com/2012/05/10/northern-rail-granted-franchise-continuation/ |title= Northern Rail granted franchise continuation |date=10 May 2012 |access-date=10 May 2012 |work=Rail.co}}{{Cite press release |url= http://www.northernrail.org/news/7034 |title= Franchise Continuation for Northern Rail |publisher= Northern Rail |date=9 May 2012}}{{Cite web|title=Contract News Update 14|url=http://www.serco.com/Images/CNU_14_tcm3-39582.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220153440/http://www.serco.com/Images/CNU_14_tcm3-39582.pdf|archive-date=2013-12-20|access-date=2021-06-23|website=Serco}} In March 2013 the Secretary of State for Transport announced the franchise would be further extended to February 2016.[https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/franchise-announcement "Railway plan puts new focus on passengers"]. Secretary of State for Transport statement 26 March 2013.

In August 2014, the Department for Transport announced Abellio, Arriva and Govia had been shortlisted to bid for the next franchise.{{cite press release |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/news/shortlist-for-northern-and-transpennine-express-rail-operators-revealed |title= Shortlist for Northern and TransPennine operators revealed |publisher= Department for Transport |date=19 August 2014}}

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.{{Cite press release |title= Northern franchise awarded to Arriva |url= http://www.arriva.co.uk/media/news/2015/09-12-2015 |publisher= Arriva |date=9 December 2015 |access-date = 10 December 2015}}{{Cite press release |title= Massive boost to rail services brings Northern Powerhouse to life |url= https://www.gov.uk/government/news/massive-boost-to-rail-services-brings-northern-powerhouse-to-life |publisher= Department for Transport |date=9 December 2015 |access-date=9 December 2015}}{{cite news |url= http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/northern-and-transpennine-express-franchises-awarded.html |work= Railway Gazette International |location= London |date=9 December 2015 |title= Northern and TransPennine Express franchises awarded}}

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.{{Cite web |title=158 STAY CONNECTED (CONCEPT) |url= http://www.rail-order.co.uk/158icasestudy |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160815151209/http://www.rail-order.co.uk/158icasestudy |archive-date=15 August 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016}}

In December 2008 Northern Rail introduced an express service from {{stnlink|Leeds}} to {{stnlink|Nottingham}} calling at {{stnlink|Wakefield Kirkgate}}, {{stnlink|Barnsley}}, {{stnlink|Meadowhall}}, {{stnlink|Sheffield}}, {{stnlink|Dronfield}}, {{stnlink|Chesterfield}}, {{stnlink|Alfreton}} and {{stnlink|Langley Mill}}{{cite press release |url= http://www.northernrail.org/news/45 |title= Extra Leeds Nottingham Train Services Announced |publisher= Northern Rail |date= 22 November 2006}}{{cite press release |url= http://www.northernrail.org/news/578 |title= Northern Introduces New Nottingham-Leeds Service |publisher= Northern Rail |date= 12 December 2008}} using a {{brc|158}} 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.{{cite press release |title= Celebrate The Curve As East Lancashire To Manchester Services Return |url= http://www.northernrail.org/news/7680 |publisher= Northern Rail |date=14 May 2015 |access-date=15 May 2015}} The service operates hourly, seven days a week.{{cite web|title=Todmorden Curve|url=http://www.northernrail.org/todmorden-curve|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518124436/http://www.northernrail.org/todmorden-curve|archive-date=2015-05-18|access-date=15 May 2015|website=Northern Rail|publisher=}}

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.gmpte.com/upload/library/Oldham_Loop_Closure_DR.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706121152/http://www.tfgm.com/upload/library/Oldham_Loop_200709.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2012 |title=Oldham Loop rail line closure |date=September 2009 |work=GMPTE information poster| publisher=Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive|access-date=5 October 2009}}

Northern Electrics was a brand offering electrified rail from Liverpool to Manchester.{{cite news |last1=Chambers |first1=Bradd |last2=Journalism |first2=J. M. U. |title=First journey for revitalised train service |url=http://jmu-journalism.org.uk/first-journey-for-revitalised-train-service/ |access-date=12 December 2020}}

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.

{{cite press release | title = Northern Rail Wins Public Transport Operator of the Year| publisher = Northern Rail| date = 16 August 2007| url = http://www.northernrail.org/news/16| access-date = 31 May 2008| quote = The judges praised the company, which runs local and regional trains across the north of England, for its success in attracting 20% more passengers since it started in 2004.}} 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.

In the period 15 October 2009 to 14 November 2009, Northern's punctuality was 91.1% and reliability was 92.2%.[http://www.northernrail.org/northern/passengercharter/pdfs/performance_figures/1008_performance_figures.pdf Performance figures], Northern Rail. 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'.{{cite press release |url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2004/2004b/wnorthernrailfranchisesigned.pdf |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090825141633/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/releases/sra/2004/2004b/wnorthernrailfranchisesigned.pdf |title=New Northern Rail Franchise Signed |publisher=Strategic Rail Authority |date=19 October 2004 |access-date=22 December 2008 |archive-date=25 August 2009 }}

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.{{cite web | title = Rail performance results period 7 | url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ | publisher = Network Rail | access-date = 20 December 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208114925/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/about/performance/ | archive-date = 8 December 2015 | url-status = dead }}

The annual report for 2012, published in March 2013, of the {{lang|nl|Nederlandse Spoorwegen}}{{Cite web|title=Annual Report 2012|url=http://www.ns.nl/binaries/content/assets/NS/over-ns/jaarverslagen-pdf/ns-annual-report-2012.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015195124/http://www.ns.nl/binaries/content/assets/NS/over-ns/jaarverslagen-pdf/ns-annual-report-2012.pdf|archive-date=2013-10-15|access-date=2021-07-18}} 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.

Northern Rail had a reputation{{who|date=January 2022|reason=A reputation with who?}} for its rather tough approach on fare evasion, and was known to take passengers to court for underpaying by a matter of pence.{{cite news|date=9 March 2006|title=Law student gets £1,000 bill|work=Yorkshire Post|location=Leeds|url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/main-topics/local-stories/law-student-gets-163-1-000-bill-over-1-2609459|access-date=19 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309182701/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/law-student-gets-163-1-000-bill-over-1-2609459|archive-date=9 March 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/13218267.businessman-furious-over-80-fine-for-70p-mistake-on-morning-train/|title=Businessman furious over '£80 fine for 70p mistake' on morning train|date=2015-06-02|access-date=2022-01-23|website=The Bolton News|last=Thorp|first=Liam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123013301/https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/13218267.businessman-furious-over-80-fine-for-70p-mistake-on-morning-train/|archive-date=2022-01-23|url-status=live|publisher=Newsquest Media Group}}

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.{{cite magazine |title=158 Reshuffle Boosts Fleet |magazine=Rail Magazine |issue=551 |date=25 October 2006 |page=55}}

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.{{cite news |title=Angel Trains Leases 30 Class 158 Diesel Multiple Units to Northern Rail |url=http://www.northernrail.org/news/35 |publisher=Northern Rail |date=13 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511182656/http://www.northernrail.org/news/35 |archive-date=11 May 2008 |access-date=30 September 2012}}{{cite magazine |title=30 Class 158's Bound for Northern by the End of 2007 |magazine=Rail Magazine |issue=562 |date=28 March 2007 |page=17}} 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's ex-First North Western Class 158s.{{cite magazine |title=December Timetable Triggers DMU Cascade |magazine=Rail Magazine|issue=580 |date=5 December 2007 |page=12}}{{cite magazine |title=Train Operator's Fluctuating Fleets |magazine=Rail Magazine|issue=583 |date=16 January 2008 |page=45}} 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 {{rws|Blackpool North}} to {{stn|Manchester Victoria}} and {{rws|Hazel Grove}} services.{{cite magazine |title=Third Adelante for Northern |magazine=Rail Magazine|issue=606 |date=3 December 2008 |page=69}}

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.{{Cite web |date=13 April 2011 |title=Northern to get Class 322 boost from December |url=https://railnews.mobi/news/2011/04/13-northern-to-get-class-322.html |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=Rail News}}

In March 2015 the first Class 319s entered service on the {{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}} to {{stn|Manchester Airport}} service.{{cite press release |title=Better Rail Services Between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Airport |url=http://www.northernrail.org/news/7623 |publisher=Northern Rail |date=5 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610075542/http://www.northernrail.org/news/7623 |archive-date=10 June 2015 |access-date=5 March 2015}}

In 2009, Northern Rail operated 471 stations; more than any other train operating company in the UK.{{cite web |url= http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/better-rail-stations/partb.pdf |title= Better Rail Stations – Part B |publisher= Department for Transport |year=2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140914003704/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/better-rail-stations/partb.pdf |archive-date=14 September 2014}}

The number fell to 462 later in the same year following closure of the Oldham Loop Line,[http://www.networkrail.co.uk/6066_Action_station_booklet.pdf Action stations booklet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914000509/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/6066_Action_station_booklet.pdf |date=14 September 2014 }}, Network Rail, 2009

and increased to 463 by 2013.[https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/318233/northern-prospectus.pdf Transformation in Partnership – Northern Prospectus], Department for Transport, June 2014 New stations include Buckshaw Parkway in 2011, and James Cook in 2014. By 2013, trains operated by Northern Rail called at 526 stations.

{{unreferenced section|date=May 2021}}

The maintenance depots used by Northern Rail were located at:

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|

• Allerton (AN)
• Blackpool North LMD (BP)
• Barrow-in-Furness (BW) (Overnight cleaning)
• Buxton (BX) (Overnight Cleaning)
• Carlisle Station (Overnight cleaning)
• Heaton (Newcastle upon Tyne) (HT)
• Hull Botanic Gardens (BG)
• Longsight TRSMD (Manchester) (LO)
• Neville Hill (Leeds) (NL)
• Leeds Holbeck (HO) (Light maintenance and Refurbishments)
• Newton Heath TMD (Manchester) (NH)
• Sheffield Station (SM)
• Stockport Carriage Sidings (SQ) (Light maintenance and cleaning)
• Skipton Broughton Road Carriage sidings (333 Stabling)
• Workington (WK) (overnight cleaning for Cumbrian Coast)
• Wigan Wallgate Carriage Sidings (Overnight cleaning)

}}

The train crew depots were located at:

{{columns-list|colwidth=22em|

• Leeds
• York
• Newcastle
• Darlington (Driver only)
• Middlesbrough (guard only)
• Carlisle
• Workington
• Blackpool North
• Liverpool Lime Street
• Wigan Wallgate
• Manchester Victoria
• Manchester Piccadilly
• Buxton
• Sheffield
• Skipton
• Huddersfield
• Harrogate
• Hull Paragon
• Barrow-in-Furness
• Doncaster

}}

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.

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{commons category-inline}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160315085819/http://www.northernrail.org/ Official website]

{{s-start}}

{{s-bef

| before = Arriva Trains Northern
Regional Railways North East franchise

}}

{{s-ttl

| rows = 2

| title = Operator of Northern Rail franchise

| years = 2004–2016

}}

{{s-aft

| after = Arriva Rail North
Northern franchise

| rows = 2

}}

|-

{{s-bef

| before = First North Western
North West Regional Railways franchise

}}

{{end}}

{{Abellio}}

{{UK TOCs|defunct|state=collapsed}}

Category:Defunct train operating companies in the United Kingdom

Category:Regional rail in the United Kingdom

Category:Companies based in Manchester

Category:Nederlandse Spoorwegen

Category:Railway companies established in 2004

Category:Railway companies disestablished in 2016

Category:Serco

Category:2004 establishments in England

Category:2016 disestablishments in England

Category:History of transport in Greater Manchester