The British Rail Class 781 is a planned fleet of four-car battery electric multiple unit (BEMU) trains to be built for Northern Trains.
History
In August 2023, Northern issued a tender to acquire a contract for up to 450 new trains to replace the older rolling stock in their fleet.[3] A more detailed tender for up to 329 new trains was issued in 2024,[4] and in January 2025, it was revealed that Northern had shortlisted five companies to build its new fleet - Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens and Stadler.[5][6][7]
Contracts are expected to be awarded in 2026, with the first units delivered by 2032.[2]
In September 2025, Modern Railways reported that the TOPS number 781 is reserved for the planned new BEMU fleet.[2]
References
- ↑ Clinnick, Richard. "Northern new train fleet introduction plans revealed". Modern Railways. Key Publishing Ltd. Retrieved 2 October 2025.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Clinnick, Richard (October 2025). "Northern Revolution". Modern Railways. Vol. 82, no. 925. p. 11.
- ↑ "Supply of New Rolling Stock and Maintenance Support Services - Find a Tender". www.find-tender.service.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
- ↑ Dunn, Pip (29 May 2024). "Northern invites tenders for up to 329 new trains". Network News. Rail Magazine. No. 1010. pp. 20–21.
- ↑ "Northern Rail invites five manufacturers for 450 trains". Railway Pro. 20 January 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2025.
- ↑ "Northern's new trains". Northern Trains.
- ↑ Wilcock, Rich (17 January 2025). "Northern begins negotiations with manufacturers for 450 new trains". Rail Magazine.