Rail operator, TransPennine Express, have launched 44 new trains to improve overcrowding and comfort on routes across northern England following an unveiling at Liverpool Lime Street Station.
The 44 ‘Nova’ trains, built by Hitachi and CAF, are the result of a £500 million investment in the franchise by TransPennine Express. The upgraded trains will increase capacity of services by up to 80% as each five-carriage train will carry up to 342 passengers and will improve connectivity between Greater Manchester and other northern cities.
The fleet will also include additional luggage storage, plug sockets and free WiFi on board to improve the passenger experience.
Leo Goodwin, Managing Director of TransPennine Express believes the new fleet will bring great benefits to the North. At the unveiling in Liverpool, he said:
The name Nova reflects the positive changes that will truly transform rail travel for our customers, with an enhancement to customers experience on board and an increase in capacity of 80 per cent on all routes.
Our vision at TPE is to take the North further and these new trains offer more seats, improved connectivity and a higher standard of comfort.”
The upgrade comes as timetable changes and adverse weather conditions this year have seen worsening performance by rail operators in the North of England. Both TransPennine Express and Northern Rail have seen a rise in cancellations and a fall in punctuality over the last 12 months.
Andrew Barr, chief executive of Hitachi Rail Group who built the trains, said:
These modern intercity trains – built incorporating bullet train technology – will make journeys across the North smoother and more reliable.
“Delivering the Hitachi fleet on time will allow passengers to have an early Christmas present, with trains that are proven to boost passenger satisfaction.”
The new ‘Nova’ trains will operate on the following routes:
- Liverpool and Manchester to Edinburgh via Newcastle and Leeds
- Liverpool and Manchester Airport to Glasgow via Preston
- Manchester Airport to Edinburgh via Preston
- Liverpool and Manchester Airport to Scarborough and Middlesborough, via Leeds
TransPennine Express services from Manchester Airport to Cleethorpes, the route which connects Stockport with South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, will not benefit from the new trains.