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Nov 2020

Last Updated: 28/11/2020

Transport

Unloved Northern pacer train makes its final journey

by Tamsin O'Brien

| 28 Nov, 2020

The pacer has been running for 35 years and its final journey will be welcomed by many travellers who had to endure overcrowded, uncomfortable journeys on the Harrogate line. They had become a symbol of under-investment in transport in the north.

Northern rail has finally bid farewell to its fleet of outdated pacer trains. The last pacer to carry Northern customers completed its journey yesterday having travelled from Kirkby to Manchester.

Pacer trains have been running for 35 years and news of their final retirement will be welcomed by many travellers who had to endure overcrowded, uncomfortable journeys on them on the Harrogate line.

They had become a political symbol of under-investment in rail transport in the north and their replacement has been long overdue.

Chris Jackson, Regional Director at Northern, said:

“The pacers have kept millions of northerners on the move and, while they have served us well and provided some communities with rail services they may have otherwise lost, it is time to give them a well-earned rest.

“Northern has overseen significant modernisation in recent months and the retiring pacers have made way for a fleet of 100 brand-new trains which are already servicing people across the north of England.”

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Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary with Cabinet Responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse, said:

“The pacer fleet has connected communities on the Northern network for over 30 years, but today marks the sun finally setting on trains that have become loved by some, but hated by many.

“This marks a new era of transport in the north, with passengers enjoying a brand new fleet of trains, delivering more modern services and creating a more reliable network across the north.”

For many commuters though the pacer stayed on the tracks for too long and investment should have come sooner.

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Unloved Northern pacer train makes its final journey

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