Derby rail giant bids for £2.75bn HS2 train contract

Two UK-based rail giants have submitted a ‘Great British’ train proposal to HS2 that they say would be the most advanced, customer-oriented train ever to run in the UK.

The contract, worth £2.75bn, is to design, build and maintain at least 54 trains for Phase One of HS2.

Hitachi has pioneered Japan’s world-renowned Shinkansen ‘bullet trains’ while Derby-based Bombardier has made high speed trains that operate in Europe and on the world’s largest network in China.

In 2015, the two companies together delivered the Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) ETR1000 for Trenitalia, which is the fastest yet quietest in-service high speed train in Europe. Operating at speeds up to 225 mph, it has transformed passenger experience and connectivity across Italy.

Its success has been recognised by Trenitalia placing a further order in June 2019 for 14 new trains, increasing Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) high speed services across Italy.

Hitachi Rail’s managing director Karen Boswell OBE said: “Hitachi-Bombardier’s Great British train for HS2 would be a shining example of British ingenuity. Our bid, if successful, would bring significant benefits for economies and communities, while truly transforming connectivity and passengers’ experience.”

Bombardier’s president, UK, Phil Hufton said: “HS2 is this generation’s chance to transform our country. Our Great British train will connect our great cities and improve the journeys of every passenger. HS2’s vision is to be a catalyst for growth across Britain – we are ready to make that happen.”

How Alstom’s new HS2 trains might look. Photo © Alstom Design & Styling 2019

Meanwhile, Alstom has unveiled its proposed design for HS2 trains which will call in the East Midlands at Toton.

Alstom says the train is designed to meet all of HS2 Ltd’s requirements for a world class, modern and flexible train which is “as comfortable on the conventional network as it is on the new HS2 infrastructure”.

HS2 Ltd intends to make a decision on the rolling stock contract award in 2020.

Nick Crossfield, managing director for Alstom in UK and Ireland, said: “Alstom’s vision is to make HS2 trains a timeless design classic, with a passenger experience that is as smooth, calm and spacious as it is high-speed.

“Alstom is excited to unveil this proposed train for HS2, which is the most important economic regeneration project in Britain for decades. It will knit together the great cities of the Midlands and the North as never before, and turbo-charge our regional economies.”

CBI East Midlands regional director Richard Blackmore said: “The designs for the new HS2 trains set the standard for what world class modern transport must look like. This is yet more evidence of the jobs, growth and regeneration that HS2 brings, even before it has been delivered. No other scheme or investment can deliver benefits on this scale to the East Midlands.

“Our region’s transport networks keep us and our economy moving, driving growth and productivity. HS2 is a once in a generation chance to further knit together the UK’s great cities.

“The release of these designs is another step closer to making this project a reality. It’s now for politicians to keep up the momentum to deliver these plans.”

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