East Coast Main Line to receive 'state-of-the-art' trains

Date: 18/7/2013

A deal worth £1.2 billion has been confirmed that will see one of the busiest intercity train routes in the country receive 270 state-of-the-art train carriages.

The units, which are being built by Hitachi Rail Europe at a facility in County Durham, are being provided to the East Coast Main Line as part of the £5.8 billion Intercity Express Programme.

Known as the class 800 series, the trains will be operational on the line from 2019, providing a range of benefits to passengers, such as 18 per cent extra capacity, journeys up to 18 minutes shorter and a fivefold increase in reliability.

"By signing this deal we have provided further proof of our determination to transform Britain’s railways into a world-class operation through continued investment and state-of-the-art technology," said Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The move is set to create 730 jobs too, and will boost the ability of the purpose-built factory in Newton Aycliffe to secure other lucrative contracts available across Europe.

Posted by Sarah Bailey
 
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