Corrosion Issues Surface Across Northern Rail Fleet Amid Rising Passenger Costs

The backbone of Northern Rail’s fleet, comprising hundreds of Class 15X trains, is reportedly suffering from corrosion issues, raising fresh challenges for Britain’s second-largest passenger operator. An internal investigation has highlighted concerns about the state of these trains, many of which are over 40 years old. These ageing vehicles are not scheduled for replacement until 2030, despite their critical role in daily services.

Northern Rail’s Class 15X fleet forms a significant part of the operator’s network, stretching from Stoke-on-Trent down south to Newcastle upon Tyne in the north. These trains are operated under lease agreements with rolling stock companies, which are now facing mounting pressure to address wear and tear caused by decades of use. Matt Rice, Northern Rail’s Chief Operating Officer, indicated that maintenance to extend the life of the fleet is currently underway but acknowledged the challenges presented by the condition of older vehicles.

The operator has recently initiated a procurement process to acquire up to 450 new trains, a project involving bids from major train manufacturers. However, the first of these new trains is not expected to be operational before 2030. In the meantime, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and functionality of the existing fleet through an extensive programme of repairs and corrosion treatment.

These developments come at a time when rail fares across the nation are rising at a rate exceeding inflation for the first time in three years. Regulated fares increased by 4.6 per cent on Sunday, outpacing the 3 per cent inflation rate recorded in January. This has pushed season ticket prices to historic highs, with commuters travelling the 60 miles between Brighton and London now facing an annual cost exceeding £6,000. Similarly, the cost of a season ticket for the 70-mile journey between Manchester and York has risen to £6,653.

Passengers have expressed growing frustration with the disparity between rising costs and the reliability of services. Northern Rail’s operational performance remains under scrutiny, with only 58.7 per cent of its trains arriving on time and the operator recording the highest level of cancellations between July and September 2024.

The corrosion concerns add to a broader crisis facing Britain’s rail network. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) recently launched an investigation into Network Rail, highlighting issues with the safety of structural assets such as bridges, tunnels, and stations. Reports indicate that 4,500 safety assessments are overdue, strengthening calls for increased accountability and infrastructure investment across the network.

As Northern Rail navigates these operational and financial challenges, the spotlight remains on government officials and industry leaders to deliver solutions that balance costs with reliable service provision. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged passenger frustrations while claiming that this year’s fare increase was designed to be more manageable, yet many commuters remain unconvinced.