TransPennine Express passengers are one step closer to traveling in brand new trains, as Hitachi begins to build the Intercity Fleet in Japan.
The new trains are due to enter service in 2019.
Production work has begun on two test trains in Japan, these are due to arrive in the UK in 2018. The Bullet Train inspired fleet of trains are being built by Hitachi and financed by Angel Trains.
TPE's new trains will be maintained at Hitachi's newly built depot in Doncaster, which has cost £80 million. The depot is home to 250 employees and four apprentices. Long-term jobs will be secured at depots in Liverpool, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
Investment in the new trains is part of Network Rail's Great North Rail project. This aims to improve rail travel in the North of England.
161 additional seats will be available on the new style of trains on the popular intercity route. Passengers will benefit from spacious carriages and extra luggage space and leg room.
What did the officials say?
David Hoggarth, Director for Rail North, said: “These trains are game-changers. Fast efficient travel on trains fit for purpose will open up rail to new users in the business and leisure sector and is one of the key components required for growing the Northern economy through enhanced connectivity, This is great news for the North and demonstrates that visionary franchise agreements can really deliver.”
Berry Sas, Projects Director for Hitachi Rail Europe said:“Millions of journeys along the popular transpennine route will be transformed once these pioneering intercity trains are introduced into service. We have invested £80million in a state-of-the-art depot in Doncaster to ensure these new trains are running in top condition for each and every journey.”
- Visit the TransPennine Express Website
For more information
What about Hull Trains. They too are getting/receiving the Class 802 AT300’s to replace the Class 180 Adelante DMU’s that are to be transferred to Grand Central.
Hi Andrew, I’ve read a few of your comments elsewhere. Do I sense a fellow Asperger’s sufferer? I recognise quite a bit of me in you. Thorough, with a near encyclopedic knowledge of railways. Awkward, and clashing with others on comments boards. And if your like me, endlessly longwinded.