09.07.19
TPE hails ‘major milestone’ as Nova 1 trains arrive
TransPennine Express (TPE) have welcomed the first of its new Nova 1 fleet of trains, which the rail operator claims will transform the on-board experience for passengers.
The futuristic-looking trains, built by Hitachi, will have more carriages and extra seats for customers compared to the current fleet.
The fleet will carry customers on routes between Manchester, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Morpeth and Edinburgh.
Chris Nutton, major projects director for TPE, said: “The acceptance of the first Nova 1 train is a key step towards the introduction of more trains and more carriages for customers.
“Together with our partners, we are working hard to get each of our Nova fleets into service as soon as possible.
“By the end of this year, trains from all three fleets will be operating across the North and into Scotland providing 13 million extra seats.”
The trains plan to be phased into service before the end of the current year.
Testing of both the Nova 3 and Nova 2 fleets is currently ongoing, according to the operator, with some Nova 3 trains entering service towards the end of summer 2019.
Karen Boswell, managing director at Hitachi Rail said: “This is another fantastic milestone which will soon see the Northern Powerhouse connected with modern reliable trains.
“They will double the number of seats for TransPennine passengers on intercity services between major cities across the North.”
Each Nova train features free Wi-Fi in both first and standard class, plug sockets and USB charging points, and improved information systems.