Testing begins for TPE’s bullet train inspired fleet

• The first test run for TransPennine Express’s futuristic Nova 1 fleet took place between Doncaster and Darlington
• 19 new five carriage trains harnessing Japanese bullet train technology are due to enter service in 2019
• TransPennine Express is introducing three fleets of new trains. Together, these will provide 13 million more seats per year

Hitachi has begun testing TransPennine Express’ new Nova 1 fleet, with a successful run between Doncaster and Darlington.

People will be able to catch a glimpse of the trains on test in the lead up to entering passenger service next year.

In the coming months testing will span the entire route, calling at major stations across The North and Scotland. The train is currently using Hitachi’s new £80million depot in Doncaster.

The fleet is being built by Hitachi and financed by Angel Trains.

Modern trains connecting towns and cities across the North and into Scotland

From 2019 this fleet will connect major cities in the North of England and Scotland, running from Manchester and Liverpool, across the Pennines to cities such as Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

The trains will provide 161 additional seats compared to the existing ones on the busy intercity route. Customers will benefit from spacious carriages, providing extra legroom and additional luggage space and the experience on-board will be completely transformed.

Each new train will offer fast, free Wi-Fi in both Standard and First Class as well as complimentary on-board entertainment system, Exstream, allowing customers to stream the latest movies and TV shows during their journey.

Pioneering trains for the North

Hitachi is using its famous Japanese-bullet train technology to make the new Nova 1 fleet light and aerodynamic. The 19 trains will all be bi-modes, meaning they can switch seamlessly mid-journey between electric and diesel power. The trains, will be able to run in either five or ten carriage formation, capable of speeds of up to 140mph in electric mode and 125 mph using diesel engines.

By using modern MTU engines from Rolls-Royce, the trains will cut harmful emissions under diesel power by up to 90%.

The trains are fitted with the latest in-cab digital signalling technology ahead of the route becoming the first digitally controlled intercity line.*

Barry White, Chief Executive of Transport for the North said:

“We are delighted to welcome these exciting new trains into the North, among the first of many new trains that will change the lives of rail users throughout the region, as we begin a period of major and sustained investment in our transport infrastructure. The extra capacity these trains offer is much needed and the fact they are future-proofed with the latest technologies is further evidence of long-term thinking for a brighter future.”

Berry Sas, Projects Director for Hitachi Rail Europe said:

“Our modern intercity trains will be calling at all stations along the route ahead of carrying passengers next year. Passengers will instantly recognise our high-tech trains, sporting an aerodynamic design first pioneered in Japan”.

Notes 

The new fleet of Hitachi intercity trains (Class 802) were ordered by First Group for TransPennine Express in 2016. 

The first train to begin testing is a five car (802201)

*The Department for Transport announcement regarding the route being digitally controlled can be found here