UK: Translink has taken delivery of the first three of 21 intermediate cars ordered from CAF to extend seven existing NI Railways Class 4000 diesel multiple-units from three to six cars for use on busier routes.
This will provide around 1 600 additional seats every day. The new cars have similar features to the current fleet, including air-conditioning, digital CCTV and a fire detection and control system. There are external destination displays on the sides, and audio-visual passenger information. Accessibility features include signage in Braille and embossed lettering, two wheelchair spaces with companion seats and an accessible toilet. There is space for four bicycles.
The additional capacity is being funded by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure at cost of £60m. This includes the new vehicles, ordered in December 2018 as an option on a contract under which CAF supplied 20 three-car Class 4000 DMUs in 2011, as well refurbishment of the existing vehicles and changes to depot facilities.
Translink said the lengthened DMUs, which are expected to enter service between this autumn and summer 2022, would ‘feel like completely new trains’.
Welcoming the arrival of the first of the new vehicles on March 22, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said ‘my priority as minister is to work on transport infrastructure that improves people’s lives, connects communities and tackles the climate emergency through prioritising active and sustainable transport options.
’I believe that rail has huge untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island. It is therefore vital that we continue to invest in and modernise our rail network as we work to build back greener and more responsibly from Covid-19.’
