20.04.18
First TPE Hitachi test train leaves Japan en route to UK
The first of TransPennine Express’ (TPE’s) new Nova 1 trains, built by Hitachi, left Japan earlier this week and is due to arrive in the UK in two months’ time.
Once the train completes its shipping journey, it will be tested across the north this summer ahead of entering passenger service in summer 2019. The train’s journey can be tracked around the world here as it makes its way through numerous oceans and continents.
From 2019 this fleet will support the Great North Rail Project by connecting major cities in the north of England and Scotland, running from Manchester and Liverpool and across the Pennines to cities such as Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
TPE’s managing director, Leo Goodwin, said: “We are very excited that the first test train of our Nova 1 fleet has now left Japan and is bound for the UK. I’m sure along with many others I will be keeping a watchful eye on the tracker.
“TPE is delivering an investment of £500m in the next two years in additional services, more seats and not one but three brand-new train fleets.”
The fleet will provide 161 additional seats compared to the existing trains on the popular intercity route. Customers will benefit from spacious carriages, providing extra legroom and additional luggage space and the experience on-board will be completely transformed.
Each new train will boast free wi-fi in both Standard and First Class as well as complimentary on-board entertainment system, allowing customers to stream the latest movies and TV shows.
As previously revealed, the train investment is supporting thousands of jobs across the UK as Hitachi has chosen 30 national firms, such as Lucchini Unipart Rail, to supply components. The fleet will also support long-term jobs at depots along the route.
The new Nova 1 fleet, which the Japanese giant described as “futuristic,” uses Hitachi’s famous Japanese bullet train technology in order to be light and aerodynamic. All 19 trains will be bi-mode and can run in either five or 10-carriage formations.
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