PACER trains – much criticised over the years by passengers on the Airedale line and across the region’s rail network – have been fully retired.

After more than 35 years’ service – and over 300 million miles clocked-up – the fleet has been completely withdrawn from public operation.

The last Pacer to carry Northern passengers pulled into its journey end, at Manchester Victoria, last Friday.

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said: “The Pacers have kept millions of northerners on the move and – while they have served us well and provided some communities with rail services they may have otherwise lost – it is time to give them a well-earned rest.

“Northern has overseen significant modernisation in recent months and the retiring Pacers have made way for a fleet of 100 brand-new trains which are already servicing people across the north of England.”

Retirement of the Pacer fleet began in the summer of last year and the trains have been gradually removed from service, as more new and refurbished stock has been introduced.

The Pacers were criticised by many as being uncomfortable, dated and unreliable.

Northern’s new trains feature free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, at-seat power and real-time customer information screens. Northern says they are also more spacious and fully accessible, with spaces for wheelchairs and cycles.

Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary with cabinet responsibility for the Northern Powerhouse, said: “The Pacer fleet has connected communities for over 30 years, however the sun has finally set on the trains that became loved by some, but hated by many.”