WATCH: TransPennine Overhauls Class 185s

TransPennine Express have started work refurbishing their 51 strong fleet of 185 three carriage trains. The work is being undertaken by Siemens.

Each of the refurbished trains is having new seating, carpets, tables, lighting fitted. Each pair of seats get a USB and plug socket, too!

Eversholt Rail, who lease rolling stock, is financing the work, with the refurbishments being undertaken at York at a rate of one a week.

Eversholt Rail / TransPennine Express / Siemens are using local suppliers for the refurbishments. Camira Fabrics, who are based in Huddersfield, have made the seat covers for the standard class. First class curtains have been made by A.W. Hainsworth, who are based in Pudsey.

Gateshead based Petards have made the new CCTV for the 185s.

In 2018, TPE will have information screens, WiFi and an on board entertainment system fitted to the trains.

Paul Staples, Fleet Director for TransPennine Express, said: “I’m thrilled to have launched the first of the enhanced trains. I am proud of what we have achieved with Siemens, Eversholt Rail and all of the local companies supplying material and expertise to create this leap forward in journey experience for everyone in the North as part of the new TransPennine Express.”

He added “This is just the start, though; over the next year all of the Class 185 trains will get this upgrade and over the next three years we will introduce 44 brand new trains, giving our customers more carriages, more seats, better reliability and more comfortable, enjoyable, productive journeys with us in the North.”