A RAIL company has apologised for a spate of problems which have led to delayed and cancelled trains affecting services on the route to and from Bradford Interchange following the introduction of new diesel units.

Social media has been rife with comments on the situation affecting the Calder Valley line since the new class 195 trains were introduced to the route by Northern, including some from several councillors as well as members of the public.

Passengers hoped the trains would lead a more comfortable and less crowded service.

But a number of faults and glitches since the trains were put into operation have sparked more frustration.

One customer even wrote to her MP, Halifax’s Holly Lynch, asking her to take up the case, complaining of malfunctioning doors either not closing or opening and shutting trapping people in them, brakes issues resulting in trains “jerking up the platform” and issues with the electric lock operated toilets resulting in “locking down” affected trains.

A spokesperson for Northern said the company apologised to anyone whose journey has been delayed as a result of problems with its new trains.

The spokesperson added: “Our new trains have been through rigorous testing but, as with any new piece of equipment, there can sometimes be problems which only become apparent when in regular service.

“As soon as we are aware of an issue, they are taken straight to our train depot for investigation and repair.”

He said anyone whose journey is delayed by 15 minutes or more can apply for compensation via Delay Repay. Details of the scheme and how to apply can be found online at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/corporate/compensation-information

Earlier this month Peter Myers, Stakeholder Manager for Northern, told members of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Transport Working Party the new trains would be coming on line in the Calder Valley.

By next Easter they will be seen regularly on the line and the initial trains will be supplemented by some of the “best of the rest” units Northern owned, which were being fully refurbished and put into service into next year. Three-car diesel units would be the order of the day for new units, he told the working party.