Arriva Group’s Open Access operator Grand Central has signed an order for new trains.
The order comprises of nine “tri-mode” trains to replace its existing fleet, to bemade up of 45 cars (9 x 5 car trainsets). These tri-mode trains will be able to run on overhead electrically power tracks, as well as on diesel and battery operation.
The order, with a 10-year maintenance contract, represents an investment of around £300 million.
It follows approval by the rail regulator for extended track access rights for Grand Central’s existing services through to 2038. Grand Central has been running services on the East Coast mainline since 2007 as an Open Access operator, which means it receives no government funding or subsidy.
The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory. These will increase seat numbers by 20 per cent which means 400,000 additional seats per year will be available to passengers travelling between the North East, Yorkshire and London. Because of their tri-mode capability ,the trains could be used on other routes in the future. They are also expected to reduce both emissions and noise.
The trains will be delivered in 2028 under a 10-year leasing arrangement, in partnership and financed by Angel Trains.
In Quotes
Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, said:
“This major investment underscores our commitment to the UK market. We are proud to connect under-served communities with regional and national centres, helping make sustainable train travel the easy choice.
“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.”
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, said:
“Just four months since the Prime Minister and I welcomed a significant deal for Hitachi and its workforce in Newton Aycliffe, this new £300m investment marks yet another step forward in securing the future of rail manufacturing in the North East.
“The landmark deal is proof that our Plan for Change is delivering results – creating the right environment for investment, which in turn supports high-skilled jobs, drives economic growth and delivers real improvement in people’s lives.
“Not only will this new battery technology deliver greener journeys for passengers, but it will also boost skills for the workforce and futureproof jobs here in Newton Aycliffe as we continue to deliver a railway fit for the 21st century.”
North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said
“I made it one of my first priorities as Mayor to secure the future of Hitachi in Country Durham, and with that the jobs of hundreds of people who work at the Newton Aycliffe plant. Today’s announcement confirming a new £300m order by Arriva for state-of-the-art trains is just the latest sign we are succeeding. This is great news for Hitachi and its highly skilled workforce, showing there’s real confidence in advanced manufacturing in North East England.
“I’m so proud to say that in the very near future, the entire Grand Central fleet which links Sunderland to York and London will have been proudly built in our region.”
Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail Chief Director of UK & Ireland, said:
“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”.
“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.”
Current operations and future operations
Grand Central currently has 12 trainsets allocated to it – 10 Alstom Coradia 1000 Class 180 Adelante trains and two Bombardier Class 221 Super Voyager which are used on its routes from London Kings Cross to Sunderland and West Riding (Bradford).
The company has two further outstanding applications currently under consideration, which if granted, would extend existing routes to bring direct rail services to under-served communities in the UK. The Group also has an option to buy more trains if applications are approved.
Confidence in Open Access Operations
It seems Arriva Group is still happy to invest in its open-access operation (given that it also supports national contracts and concessionary contracts), with them having secured access to the rail network through to 2038 on its routes.
Given the age of the Class 180 Adelantes (which have had more than their share of issues over the years), with SuperVoyagers providing additional support, new trains will be welcome – especially with extra seating for passengers – and extra luggage storage.
We’ll have to see if Arriva gets access to further parts of the network with Grand Central – with the extra trains it will need to launch those services.
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