Northern to upgrade fleet with 37 refurbished Class 350 trains

Northern is upgrading its fleet in North West England by adding 37 refurbished four-car Class 350 trains. The project, funded by Porterbrook with an investment of approximately £25 million, aims to replace aging Class 323 electric trains to improve service reliability and passenger comfort.

Siemens Mobility will manage the interior and exterior overhauls at modification centers in Northampton between October 2027 and February 2029. Upgrades include modern climate control, expanded luggage space, enhanced seating, and the introduction of electric power outlets at each seat.

To improve performance during adverse weather, the trains will feature Variable Rate Smoothing (VRS) technology, which can reduce stopping distances by up to 50% on irregular rail surfaces. The first five units are expected to enter service in early 2028, with the remainder of the fleet joining over the following two years.