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Northern Rail
Northern Electrics Class 319, 319367, Huyton railway station (geograph 4512022).jpg
Franchise(s): Serco and Abellio
12 December 2004 – 31 March 2016
Arriva
1 April 2016-31 March 2025
Main Region(s): North West, North East,
Yorkshire and the Humber
Other Region(s): East Midlands and Staffordshire
Fleet size: 333
Stations called at: 526
Stations operated: 463
Passenger km 2007/8: 1,831.9 million
Route km operated: 2,695.7
National Rail abbreviation: NT
Parent company: Arriva
Web site: www.northernrailway.co.uk

Northern Rail is a British train operating company. This means it's a company that runs passenger trains. Northern Rail has been providing local train services in the northern parts of England since December 2004. They help people travel for school, work, and fun across many towns and cities.

Northern Rail runs a large number of trains every day. They serve hundreds of stations and manage many of them too. This makes them a very important part of public transport in Northern England.

What is Northern Rail?

Northern Rail is one of the biggest train companies in the United Kingdom. It focuses on local and regional train services. This means their trains connect smaller towns with larger cities. They also help people travel between different cities within the North of England.

Where Does Northern Rail Operate?

Northern Rail's trains run across a huge area. Their main service regions include the North West, the North East, and Yorkshire and the Humber. They also have some services that reach into the East Midlands and Staffordshire. This wide network helps millions of passengers every year.

Who Owns Northern Rail?

When Northern Rail first started in 2004, it was owned by two companies: Serco and Abellio. They managed the train services for about 12 years. In 2016, a new company called Arriva took over the "franchise." A franchise is like a special agreement. It gives a company the right to run train services for a certain period.

When Arriva took over, they made a big promise. They said they would buy many new trains. This was exciting news for passengers. Newer trains often mean more comfortable journeys and better service.

The Trains They Use

Northern Rail uses a variety of trains to carry passengers. These trains are designed for different types of journeys. Some are electric trains, which are quieter and better for the environment. Others are diesel trains, which can run on lines that don't have electric power. The company works to keep its fleet of trains in good condition. They also aim to improve them for a better travel experience.

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