Sixteen trains that carry tens of thousands of passengers every day between Leeds, Bradford, Ilkley and Skipton, have celebrated their 10th birthday.

Introduced after the Metro-funded electrification of the Airedale and Wharfedale lines in the 1990s, each of the Class 333 trains has travelled over one million miles – the equivalent of travelling to the moon and back twice and setting off on the third trip.

Over 110 million passenger journeys have been made on the distinctive red electric trains, which were originally introduced with three carriages but quickly gained a fourth due to their immediate popularity with passengers

Electrifying results

At an event to mark the 10th anniversary of the trains’ introduction, Metro Chairman Cllr Chris Greaves said, "The huge success and popularity of the Airedale and Wharfedale routes shows the effect that the electrification of rail lines, and the resulting improvements in terms of service and comfort can have.

“There has been a 62% growth in numbers of people using these lines to beat traffic congestion and the quick, comfortable Class 333 trains have been integral to that success.

“Now it’s time to build on that success,” he continued.

“We need to see more Government investment in local electrification schemes but just as importantly we need more investment in additional rolling stock – electric and diesel – to continue the growth in our local rail network that we’ve seen in the past decade.

“After all, millions of passengers can’t be wrong.”

Stuart Draper, Northern Rail’s Engineering Director, said: “Since the Class 333 trains were introduced on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines, we’ve attracted 62% more passengers on some of the busiest routes in Yorkshire.

Success story

“With 10 years in service, these trains represent one of the success stories of the rail network. They are now nearly twice as reliable as when they were introduced and also include on board CCTV cameras to help passengers feel more safe and secure.

“We look forward to working with our partners to deliver further improvements for passengers across the north of England.”

Steve Smith, Fleet Manager from Siemens said: “We are delighted to be here today to celebrate 10 successful years of passenger service for the 333s. Today’s milestone is just one step on the journey, as the 333s were supplied as part of a 35 year contract. Siemens is proud to be a long term partner to Angel Trains and Northern Rail.”

Malcolm Brown, Chief Executive Officer, Angel Trains said: “Angel Trains is proud to own these trains, and it’s gratifying to know that they have made such a big contribution towards the passenger growth aspiration on Northern Rail. The partnership between Angel Trains, Northern Rail and Siemens works very well to maximise the benefit to the passenger.”