New £1BN Electric Trains to Boost Northern Journeys & Jobs!

A transformative £1 billion scheme is set to revolutionize rail travel across Northern England with the introduction of 29 new battery-electric trains. Andy Burnham, a key figure in regional development, hailed the investment, stating these trains will bring "faster, more reliable journeys to the North." This significant upgrade promises to connect communities more efficiently and sustainably.

The new TransPennine Express fleet is projected to significantly cut journey times. Passengers can look forward to saving up to 10 minutes on routes between Manchester and Leeds, and up to 14 minutes between Manchester and York. Furthermore, this initiative aims to boost trans-Pennine capacity by an impressive 30% by the mid-2030s, addressing long-standing issues of overcrowding and delays.

The economic impact of this project extends beyond just improved travel.

The trains will be built by Alstom at its Litchurch Lane site in Derby, a move expected to support upwards of 350 local jobs directly and foster nearly 6,000 positions across the UK's wider supply chain.

The Prime Minister, commenting on the importance of reliable transport, emphasized that the investment is about delivering for the public and creating British jobs for the next generation, reflecting the core principles of Great British Railways.

These Adessia Stream models represent a significant leap in UK rail technology, marking the country's first battery-electric trains designed for long-distance main line service. They are engineered to operate without emissions on sections of the railway that are not yet electrified, contributing to environmental goals.

Beyond speed and sustainability, the new trains are also designed with enhanced accessibility in mind, featuring step-free boarding and increased space for wheelchairs, ensuring a more inclusive travel experience.

Production of the new fleet is slated to begin in 2028, with the trains expected to enter service by the end of 2034. They will serve a wide range of routes, connecting major cities and towns including Liverpool Lime Street to Scarborough, Manchester Airport to Saltburn, and Manchester Piccadilly to Hull.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted that this investment underscores how Great British Railways aims to deliver better journeys for people while simultaneously backing British business, enabling passengers to

wave goodbye to overcrowded, delayed diesel trains and step onboard faster electric trains which are fit for the future.

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