Northern Confirms Plans to Introduce Refurbished Class 350 Fleet

Modern electric trains expected to replace ageing Class 323s, bringing improved comfort and reliability for passengers.

Northern has taken a significant step towards modernising its electric train fleet after securing approval to lease a fleet of 37 Class 350 electric multiple units, paving the way for refurbished trains to enter passenger service from 2027.

The agreement, reached with rolling stock owner Porterbrook, forms part of the operator's broader fleet renewal strategy and will see trains previously operated by West Midlands Trains redeployed on routes across the North of England.

The Class 350 fleet has been in storage at Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre since being displaced by West Midlands Trains' newer Class 730 fleet.

Replacing One of Northern's Oldest Fleets

The incoming trains are expected to replace Northern's fleet of Class 323 electric trains, many of which have been in service since the mid-1990s.

Although the 323s have proved reliable over several decades, sourcing replacement components has become increasingly difficult, prompting Northern to seek a longer-term solution.

Internally, the introduction of the Class 350s is viewed as a direct replacement programme rather than an expansion of the existing electric fleet.

At present, there are no indications that the outgoing Class 323s will be transferred to another operator once withdrawn.

Passenger Experience Set for Major Upgrade

While the Class 350s offer slightly fewer seats than the three-car Class 323s in their current configuration, they provide a range of passenger facilities not available on much of Northern's existing suburban fleet.

The trains feature:

• Air conditioning

• On-board toilets

• Dedicated luggage storage

• Modern inter-urban interiors

The four-car units also offer the potential for interior redesign during refurbishment, with seating layouts still under discussion as Northern considers how best to balance passenger capacity with comfort.

Refurbishment Plans Still Being Finalised

Although the lease agreement has now been approved, work remains before the trains can enter service.

Northern, Porterbrook and manufacturer Siemens Mobility continue to develop refurbishment proposals, while discussions are also taking place with trade unions ahead of the fleet's introduction.

The first five trains are expected to enter service during late 2027, initially operating on routes serving southern Manchester and Cheshire, before the remainder of the fleet is progressively introduced.

Part of a Wider Fleet Modernisation Programme

The arrival of the Class 350s does not replace Northern's longer-term ambitions to renew its fleet.

The operator continues to pursue plans for an investment programme worth around £450 million, which would see new trains introduced to replace its ageing diesel fleet—including the Class 150, 155 and 156 units—from around 2031.

Further replacement plans also remain in place for the operator's small fleet of Class 769 bi-mode trains, which are expected to be phased out during 2032.

Cost-Effective Modernisation

A spokesperson for Northern said the company has been assessing how the Class 350 fleet could support future capacity requirements while providing a practical replacement for ageing electric trains.

The spokesperson said any trains entering service would receive significant refurbishment and modification before carrying passengers, ensuring they meet modern operational and customer expectations while offering value for money.

By reintroducing relatively modern electric trains that first entered service in 2005, Northern aims to deliver a noticeable improvement in passenger comfort and reliability while extending the useful life of proven rolling stock and supporting the continued modernisation of rail services across the North.