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.
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.
Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here.