HS2

03.08.17

TPE launches first of refurbished Class 185 fleet

TransPennine Express (TPE) has this week launched the first refurbished train as part of the overhaul of its entire Class 185 fleet.

The rolling stock is currently going through a phased refurbishment programme, and the operator says that over the next few months passengers will start to see improvements as trains are phased into service. 

Working with Siemens and Eversholt Rail, the interior of all 51 trains in the fleet will be completed by 2018 as part of the £32m investment project.

Upgrades include new seats throughout, leather in first class, standard plug and USB sockets at every pair of seats in standard and first class, as well as bigger tables to allow more space for laptops and other devices.

TPE interior 3

Paul Staples, fleet director for TPE, said: “I'm thrilled to have launched the first of the enhanced trains. I am proud of what we have achieved with Siemens, Eversholt Rail and all of the local companies supplying material and expertise to create this leap forward in journey experience for everyone in the north as part of the new TPE.

“This is just the start, though; over the next year all of the Class 185 trains will get this upgrade and over the next three years we will introduce 44 brand new trains, giving our customers more carriages, more seats, better reliability and more comfortable, enjoyable, productive journeys with us in the north.”

And Stephen Timothy, client relations director at Eversholt Rail, commented: “The quality of these refurbished trains will transform the customer environment and experience in line with TPE’s vision to take the North further. We look forward to working in partnership with TPE and Siemens to deliver the full programme.”

Pete Redding, fleet operations director (North) for Siemens, added that the company were delighted that the first newly refurbished Class 185 train had re-entered service, enabling customers to start benefiting from the significantly enhanced interior environment.

“The Siemens team at our train production facility in York and contractors working on our behalf are looking forward to giving each of our 51 trains a modern new look in the months ahead,” he said.

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Comments

J, Leicester   03/08/2017 at 13:41

Looks like a tasteful refurb job - a rarity in the industry these days! Congrats to the team at Eversholt Rail. Once TPE have their new stock in service to ease congestion, I can imagine travelling with them will be one of the best experiences on the network.

Durhampete   04/08/2017 at 08:27

Had the pleasure of travelling on this unit on Tuesday evening on my way home from work. Very impressed and a massive improvement on the old interior.

Andrew Gwilt   04/08/2017 at 10:44

What about the Class 185's that Northern have got. Will Northern keep the Class 185's as TPE are ordering new trains or will Northern get the new trains and to cascade the Class 185's back to TPE.

Blair York   04/08/2017 at 12:28

But will the new trains have free wi-fi on board? They have resolutely refused to implement this so far, and is a reason I prefer to use Cross-country between York and Leeds when I can.

Paul Ameil   05/08/2017 at 18:26

Being leather seats? I don't think so!

Mikeb   05/08/2017 at 22:02

@Andrew. Four Class 185s are on loan to Northern on a daily basis and this arrangement will end in December when the new Class 195s are delivered from CAF.

Andrew Gwilt   06/08/2017 at 23:15

@Mikeb Ah right, thanks for the info. Maybe that's why Northern has got 4 Class 185's on loan until the new Class 195's "Civity" DMU's have been delivered and are in passenger service at the end of December.

Boris   10/08/2017 at 01:25

Maybe what is why?

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