Northern Rail, branded as Northern, was an English train operating company owned by Serco-Abellio that operated the Northern Rail franchise from 2004 until 2016.
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14 Facts About Northern Rail
2.
In 2000 the Strategic Rail Authority announced that it planned to reorganise the North West Regional Railways and Regional Railways North East franchises operated by First North Western and Arriva Trains Northern.
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3.
In May 2010 the Department for Transport confirmed that Northern Rail had met the performance targets, and the franchise was extended for two years until September 2013.
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4.
On 9 December 2015, it was announced that Arriva trading as Arriva Northern Rail North had been awarded a new franchise to run from 1 April 2016 through to March 2025.
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5.
In December 2008 Northern Rail introduced an express service from Leeds to Nottingham calling at Wakefield Kirkgate, Barnsley, Meadowhall, Sheffield, Dronfield, Chesterfield, Alfreton and Langley Mill using a Class 158 unit.
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6.
In May 2015 Northern Rail announced the re-introduction of a direct service between Blackburn and Manchester Victoria via Burnley following the reopening of the Todmorden Curve.
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7.
In May 2011 Northern Rail received the "Sustainable Business of the Year" award.
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8.
Northern Rail had a reputation for its rather tough approach on fare evasion, and was known to take passengers to court for underpaying by a matter of pence.
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9.
Northern Rail operated a large diesel fleet, which was used on most services.
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10.
In October 2006 Northern Rail leased six former Central Trains Class 158s that had been on loan to First Great Western.
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11.
In March 2007 Northern Rail announced it would be acquiring a further 30 Class 158s from Arriva Trains Wales, Central Trains and First Great Western to replace 26 Class 142 Pacers.
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12.
From December 2008 until December 2011 Northern Rail leased three Class 180s for use on Blackpool North to Manchester Victoria and Hazel Grove services.
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13.
In 2011, Northern Rail received the five former Stansted Express Class 322s from First ScotRail.
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14.
In 2009, Northern Rail operated 471 stations; more than any other train operating company in the UK.
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