RAIL operator Northern is on track to complete its train refurbishment programme within weeks. The company – which runs services on the Airedale line – says the final train to be upgraded is now undergoing work at Crewe. The £100 million programme has seen more than 260 electric and diesel units given a makeover, including upgrades to seating, lighting and toilets. Tricia Williams, for Northern, said: “It’s fantastic to have reached such a key milestone in our bid to transform the service for our customers. “When this last train comes out of the depot it will mean all our customers, wherever and whenever they travel on our network, will make their journeys on new or refurbished trains.
Northern is trialling a new innovative app that will help customers get faster care if they become ill on board any of the rail operators’ trains. The Unwell Passenger app, developed by York-based rail technology specialists, Incremental Solutions, gives step-by-step instructions to support staff on trains to help passengers who become ill or are injured. Currently in the first phase of testing, the app uses mobile technology (GSM) for communication, satellite technology for position accuracy and a digital interface which allows colleagues, control teams and operational staff to simultaneously liaise with each other and if required, the emergency services. Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern, said: “When a customer is unwell on one of our trains, the on-board member of staff currently has to remember, in a stressful situation, all the policies and procedures that relate to helping the customer, as well as coordinate with colleagues in control and emerg
Bolton Railway Station RAIL services on a busy line through Bolton will be reduced from today because of lockdown. Operator Northern has announced the Clitheroe to Manchester Victoria service. which calls at Bromley Cross and Hall I th Wood, is being curtailed. Peak services will run as usual but the route will then revert to being hourly. The 0711, 0748 and 0817 services to Manchester from Bolton will run as normal before hourly trains kick in. The Southport to Manchester Oxford Road service, which calls at Daisy Hill, Hag Fold, Atherton and Walkden, is also being run hourly. Tricia Williams, Northern s chief operating officer at Northern, said: We will focus on delivering services during the morning and evening peaks so those who need to travel can get to where they’re needed and have the space to maintain social distancing.”