French firm plots double-decker approach to HS2 trains

FRENCH rail company Alstom wants to bring double-decker trains to the UK to run on the HS2 lines.

It is pitching for the £7.5bn contract to build the rolling stock for the line, which is scheduled to connect London and Birmingham by 2026, then continue to the northern cities of Manchester and Leeds seven years later.

Although double-decker trains are more expensive, they can increase capacity by around 40% compared with standard trains.

Henrik Anderberg, acting managing director of Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “The design means double-decker trains are no higher than a standard single deck one. However because the trains that will run on HS2 meet with European standards and are 170mm (6.7 inches) wider, we can do so much more with the space.

“A double-decker train is a unique proposition and will give a better passenger experience. We are even considering designs such as double-height bars.”

Double-decker trains have been common in Europe for a generation.

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