Passengers travelling across northern England are set to benefit from faster, greener and more reliable rail services following a landmark £1 billion investment in a new fleet of battery-electric trains for TransPennine Express.
The order for 29 cutting-edge battery-electric trains will see the fleet built at Alstom's historic Litchurch Lane Works in Derby, marking a significant milestone for the rail industry and demonstrating how Great British Railways aims to integrate infrastructure and train operations to improve passenger outcomes.
The investment represents a major boost for British manufacturing and engineering, safeguarding more than 350 skilled jobs in Derby while supporting 40 apprenticeships and 40 student placements. Across the wider UK supply chain, the programme is expected to sustain around 6,000 jobs and contribute approximately £360 million to the national economy.
For passengers, the benefits will be substantial. Journey times between Manchester and Leeds are expected to be reduced by up to 10 minutes, while services between Manchester and York could be cut by as much as 14 minutes.
The new fleet will play a central role in delivering the ambitions of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), helping increase capacity by 30% and providing thousands of additional seats every day across the Pennines by the early to mid-2030s.
Known as the battery-electric Adessia Stream trains, the fleet will be the first of its kind to operate on a UK main line route. The trains will be capable of running emission-free on non-electrified sections of railway, supporting wider decarbonisation goals while improving operational flexibility.
Passengers can also expect a significantly enhanced onboard experience, including quieter journeys, greater reliability, improved accessibility, increased luggage space and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity.
Construction of the trains is expected to begin in 2028, with the fleet entering passenger service from winter 2034.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“This significant investment embodies how GBR will deliver better journeys for people while backing British business.
“Passengers will be able to wave goodbye to overcrowded, delayed diesel trains and step onboard faster electric trains which are fit for the future.”
From Alstom’s factory floor in Derby to supply chains across the country, this deal will deliver growth, jobs, opportunity and better transport links for generations to come.
The Transpennine Route Upgrade has already delivered more than £1 billion of spending with local businesses and generated £2.6 billion in social value for communities across the North. The programme currently employs around 5,000 people and is expected to support up to 8,000 roles throughout its lifespan.
The new trains will operate key TransPennine Express routes linking Liverpool Lime Street with Scarborough, Manchester Airport with Saltburn, and Manchester Piccadilly with Hull.
The agreement underlines the government's commitment to supporting UK industry by investing directly in Alstom's Derby operation, recognised as the world's largest rolling stock manufacturing facility outside China. The site has been designing, engineering and building trains since 1876.
Beyond Derby, the programme is expected to support jobs throughout Britain's rail supply chain in manufacturing, engineering, digital systems and railway technology.
Rob Whyte, Managing Director UK at Alstom, said:
“This agreement is a landmark moment for Britain’s railway, and we couldn’t be prouder that the country’s first main line battery-electric trains will be designed and built in Britain. The fleet will transform journeys across northern England while showcasing the very best of British engineering, innovation and advanced manufacturing.
“As momentum builds behind strengthening UK industry and regional prosperity, this project is a powerful example of what can be achieved by investing in British design, British manufacturing and British talent.”
Accessibility has also been prioritised. The trains will feature step-free boarding and reduced platform gaps, making rail travel easier for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs and passengers carrying luggage.
Each train will include three dedicated wheelchair spaces, two accessible toilets, family-friendly areas and dedicated storage for cycles and buggies.
The fleet will be owned by Rock Rail and leased to TransPennine Express, supporting the operator's move towards cleaner, more sustainable transport while improving the passenger experience across the North.
As investment continues through GBR and the Transpennine Route Upgrade, the new battery-electric fleet is positioned to become one of the most significant advancements in northern rail travel for a generation.
Image credit: iStock
