Whilst still controversial, and sliced and diced, HS2 Limited has announced the winner of who will build rolling stock for its new line operating out of London Euston
And it’s a consortium of Alston and Hitachi Rail who will be building the new trains.
The Hitachi-Alstom High Speed) 50/50 joint venture has signed contracts with High Speed Two to design, build, and maintain the next generation of very high speed trains for HS2 Phase 1 as part of the £1.97 billion contract, including an initial 12-year train maintenance contract.
The order is for 54 trains, to be manufactured at facilities in County Durham, Derby and Crewe. these will be eight carriages in length. These will be 200 metres long, capable of holding 550 passengers with provision for a pair of trains to run coupled together.
This joint venture will deliver trains capable of operating at maximum speeds of 225mph (360 km/h).
The fleet will be 100% electric and be one of the world’s most energy-efficient very high-speed trains due to the lower train mass per passenger, aerodynamic design, regenerative power and latest energy-efficient traction technology.
Th trains are set to run in Phase 1 of the project between London and Birmingham, and on the existing network and will increase capacity and connectivity between towns and cities across the country including Stoke, Crewe, Manchester, Liverpool, Carlisle, Motherwell and Glasgow.
In terms of passenger experience, you will be able to access seamless, high capacity wireless internet, digital seat reservations and richer travel information delivered through multiple channels In terms f train designs, designers will work with world renowned inclusive design experts to put empathy at the heart of the design, meeting the needs of passengers of all ages and abilities.
In Quotes
Andrew Barr, Group CEO, Hitachi Rail said:
“We are excited to be pioneering the next generation of high speed rail in the UK as part of our joint venture with Alstom. This British-built bullet train will be the fastest in Europe, and I am proud of the role that Hitachi will play in helping to improve mobility in the UK through this project.”
Alstom’s Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Nick Crossfield said
“HS2 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Britain by building a sustainable transport system fit for the 21st Century. I am delighted that Alstom’s joint venture with Hitachi Rail has been selected to develop, build and maintain in Britain Europe’s fastest high speed train.”
Taking the next steps forward
Whilst Her Majesties Government continues to be distracted with other things (mostly linked to Prime Minister) – as well as cutting back the HS2 extension to the North East of England, it is welcoming to see that progress continues to deliver HS2 – this time in the form of rolling stock
And there’s an important viewpoint to HS2 – to consider it as releasing needed capacity on the West Coast Main Line. This will allow for slower speed trains to occupy those lines – such as additional passenger and freight services.
It’s another step forward to HS2 coming to fruition – despite the efforts of some.
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