The UK Government is investing £1bn in 29 new British-built battery-electric trains, supporting 6,000 jobs and delivering more journeys across the North of England.
The new fleet of TransPennine Express trains, built at Derby’s Litchurch Lane Works, will support more than 350 highly skilled jobs, alongside 40 apprentices and 40 students, while backing a further 6,000 jobs across the UK supply chain and generating around £360m for the wider economy.
Journey times will be cut by up to 10 minutes between Manchester and Leeds and up to 14 minutes between Manchester and York.
The new trains will also deliver Transpennine Route Upgrade’s ambition to boost capacity by 30% with thousands of additional seats a day across the Pennines by the early to mid-2030s.
The battery-electric Adessia Stream trains will provide emission-free travel on non-electrified sections of the railway. Trains are due to be built from 2028 and enter service from winter 2034.
Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said:
“I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has stopped me to tell me about the train that never came. And when that happens, it means missed shifts, missed appointments, and missed opportunities.
“Today that starts to change. These 29 new trains will bring faster, more reliable journeys to the North, and thousands of British jobs for the next generation.
“It’s exactly what Great British Railways is all about – taking back control of the basics and getting Britain believing again.”
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:
“This significant investment embodies how GBR will deliver better journeys for people while backing British business.
“Passengers will be able to wave goodbye to overcrowded, delayed diesel trains and step onboard faster electric trains which are fit for the future.”
Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express, said:
“This is a transformational £1 billion investment in the future of rail travel across the North, delivering new trains for our customers as well as new infrastructure, new jobs and long-term economic benefits. Our customers will benefit from more seats and better accessibility, including level boarding.
“Britain has a proud railway heritage, and this project puts the UK at the forefront of the next generation of cleaner rail technology.”
Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK at Alstom, said:
“This agreement is a landmark moment for Britain’s railway, and we couldn’t be prouder that the country’s first main line battery-electric trains will be designed and built in Britain. The fleet will transform journeys across northern England while showcasing the very best of British engineering, innovation and advanced manufacturing.
“As momentum builds behind strengthening UK industry and regional prosperity, this project is a powerful example of what can be achieved by investing in British design, British manufacturing and British talent.”
Mark Swindell, Rock Rail founder said:
“I would like to thank TransPennine Express, Alstom and the TRUprogramme for entrusting Rock Rail with funding and delivering this important project.
“At Rock we care about improving the passenger experience; we feel strongly this project will deliver a step-change in experience, journey times and environmental benefit.”
Image courtesy of the UK Government
