The £300m deal will see a total of 45 rail cars produced, with the partners also agreeing a 10-year maintenance contract. According to Hitachi Rail, the tri-mode trains – capable of operating under electric, diesel or battery power – will cut emissions and fuel consumption by around 30 per cent, while increasing passenger capacity by 20 per cent. It’s claimed this will equate to an additional 400,000 seats per year for routes between the North East, Yorkshire and London.
The rolling stock order follows approval by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) of Arriva’s application to extend existing track access rights for Grand Central until 2038.
“This major investment underscores our commitment to the UK market,” said Amanda Furlong, managing director of Arriva UK Trains.
“These best-in-class, greener trains will deliver more comfortable journeys and a step-change in capacity on our popular Grand Central services. We look forward to announcing further rolling stock orders, providing jobs and wider economic benefits, as and when our network grows.”
The trains will be delivered in 2028 under a 10-year leasing arrangement, in partnership and financed by Angel Trains. Hitachi Rail says the deal will enable it to retain jobs and skills at its Newton Aycliffe factory. It’s also claimed that the battery component of the tri-mode trains presents a new advanced manufacturing opportunity for both the factory and the wider supply chain.
“As we celebrate 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the North East, it's symbolic that innovative battery trains are being developed in Newton Aycliffe,” said Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail chief director of UK & Ireland.
“Battery trains’ ability to deliver cheaper, greener, and more reliable journeys means we are unlocking a new advanced manufacturing opportunity for rail today. Following the successful trial of this pioneering battery technology last year, Arriva and Angel Trains are transforming Hitachi's £17 million R&D investment into the first battery train order to be built in the UK."
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