(09 Dec 2015, 7:38 pm)LeeCalder wrote It says on the Arriva Rail North website they will be receiving a full revamp, more tables, Wi-Fi, plug sockets and seat reservations.
Are all of the 158's falling in to the 'Northern Connect' brand or just some?
Some stations will get this brand too, like the Metrocentre.
a new high-quality ‘Northern Connect’ service, meaning new or refurbished trains on longer-distance services, faster journeys and stations staffed daily with catering services and free Wi-Fi at each one
Middlesbrough to Newcastle
The benefits are:
•there will be a half-hourly service between Middlesbrough, Stockton and Newcastle, providing 30 trains per day in each direction. The current service is generally hourly
•at least 10 services per day will be Northern Connect services, operated by fully-refurbished, air conditioned Class 158 trains
•today’s service levels will be preserved at intermediate stations, but with earlier first trains and later last trains along the route
Newcastle to Carlisle
The benefits are:
•half-hourly service between Newcastle and Carlisle, providing 28 trains per day in each direction – 13 more than now. Some services will be faster than today, at around 80 minutes
•a minimum of 10 services each way will operate as “Northern Connect” services, operated by fully refurbished trains
•that Carlisle will receive at least two arrivals from Newcastle before 09:00, providing more choice and capacity for those travelling to work in Carlisle. Currently only one service arrives before 09:00
•the MetroCentre will have 42 trains per day to and from Newcastle, 30 trains per day to and from Hexham, 28 trains per day to and from Carlisle, and at least 12 trains per day to and from each of Sunderland and Morpeth
•that MetroCentre and Hexham will become Northern Connect stations, open from 6am until 10pm with free Wi-Fi and refreshments available for purchase