TransPennine Express launches new Nova fleet of trains
TransPennine Express has launched its new ‘Nova’ fleet of trains in a ceremony at Liverpool’s Lime Street Station.
Stakeholders and dignitaries from across the North were present at the event as the Nova trains, part of a £500m investment, were unveiled to the public.
Transpennine has been testing the trains on its west coast to east coast and Scottish routes for several weeks. However, the trains are so long they cannot fit onto some platforms, including Newton-le-Willows, where passengers are unable to board or exit the rear two carriages.
Leo Goodwin, managing director of TransPennine Express, outlined the benefit the new fleet will bring to the North. He said: “Our vision was for Nova to represent the brightest future for rail in the North and we are so pleased to today make this vision a reality for customers, colleagues and businesses who make the TransPennine Express network such a crucial part of our infrastructure here in Liverpool and across the North.”
The new 44-train fleet was built by CAF and Hitachi and financed by Beacon Rail Leasing, Eversholt Rail Group and Angel Trains.
Each train offers between 286-342 seats and five carriages. Nova 1 serves Liverpool to Newcastle and Edinburgh to Manchester Airport and Newcastle, Nova 2 travels between Manchester and Liverpool to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Preston, and Nova 3 moves between Liverpool, Manchester Airport, Scarborough and Middlesbrough.
Mr Goodwin added: “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% 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.”
Each new train features high-quality seating and interiors with more luggage space, plug and USB charging points, free on-board wi-fi in both standard and first class and the entertainment system Exstream featuring the latest TV shows, news and films.
Andrew Barr, Hitachi Rail’s Group chief executive, said: “The new Nova 1 fleet will nearly double the number of seats available to passengers – up to a whopping 161 extra per train.
“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.”1
Richard Garner, CAF UK director, said: “CAF is extremely proud to be part of a hugely successful team approach between our company, TPE, Eversholt Rail and Beacon Rail Leasing which sees the Nova 2 and Nova 3 entering passenger service.
These high quality, high performance trains will provide TPE customers across the North of England and Scotland with a transformed onboard experience, making a real difference to this important and busy rail network.”
Mary Kenny, chief executive at Eversholt Rail, said: “We are delighted to see our newest fleet of trains introduced to passengers in the North.
“This is the culmination of a lot of hard work from the teams at TransPennine Express, CAF and Eversholt Rail over the past three and a half years and we are excited to enter the next phase to bring these trains into passenger service. Our Nova 2 fleet will help to turn TPE’s ‘Take the North Further’ vision into reality.”
Kevin Tribley, chief executive at Angel Trains, said: “The introduction of the Nova 1 fleet is a significant milestone which will see the Northern Powerhouse connected with new top-of-the-range trains.
“By investing in, and developing trains that improve passenger experience between major cities across the North, we’re taking strides towards creating the railway of the future that modern Britain deserves. We are incredibly proud of our team and would like to thank our partners Hitachi and TransPennine Express for all their hard work in making this project a success.”
