The nightmarish Class 144 “Pacer” trains are to be replaced in the North of England by 31 three-car and 12 four-car electric multiple-units, and 25 two-car and 30 three-car diesel multiple-units to be leased from Eversholt Rail to Arriva Rail North.
Not before time!
The “Pacer” units were and always have been Leyland National bus bodies on a 4-wheel under frame built in Workington.
Their successors will come from CAF in Spain.
On top of that, First Group’s TransPennine have ordered more of the CAF “Civity” platform in May to upgrade and replace the rolling stock used across the north of England.
The image below shows the Civity platform for Trieste – obviously the UK versions will be in Arriva and TransPennine colours!
In total, more than €1 billion in orders this year covering Arriva and First Group’s new trains.
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