Class 170s that operate with Northern have been fitted with new technology to help reduce disruption for passengers during the Autumn.

During the autumn, when the leaves fall onto the tracks, a slippery layer is fored and reduces the trains’ grip, causing delays for passengers.

16 of the Class 170s have been fitted with Water-Trak, which creates rainy day conditions on the rail by spraying a small amount of water onto the track when a slippery rail is detected.

In trials, the team found that the trains stopped safely in heavy rain and it was only in the damp did a reduction in grip occur.

Two of Northern’s Class 319s was fitted with Water-Trak in October 2021 – and the trials are being run thanks to Network Rail‘s Performance Innovation Fund.

Rob Cummings, seasonal improvement manager at Northern, said: “This is the next step in finding a solution to tricky autumn conditions. One of the biggest risks to our performance during October and November is leaves on the line, but by helping to develop new innovative technology we aim to deliver the very best service for our passengers.”

John Cooke, Co-founder at Water-Trak, said: “We are really excited to be working with Northern to show how Water-Trak can help to solve the age-old problem of leaves on the line.”