Hitachi Rail Bags £240 Million Deal to Maintain TransPennine Express Trains
Hitachi Rail has scored a massive eight-year contract to keep 19 Class 802 intercity trains running for TransPennine Trains Limited and Angel Trains. The deal is worth a whopping £240 million and ensures top-notch maintenance across the North of England and Scotland.
Nova 1 Fleet: A Proven Winner Since 2019
Since hitting the rails in 2019, Hitachi’s ‘Nova 1’ fleet has boosted TransPennine Express services, adding 161 extra seats on busy routes between Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. The trains have been a hit with passengers and bosses alike, clocking a reliability rate 70% better than the industry average.
Jobs Protected and UK Economy Boosted
This lucrative contract will safeguard over 550 jobs at maintenance depots in the North and contribute to Hitachi Rail’s impressive £460 million gross value add from its UK operations.
Industry Bosses Praise the Partnership
Jim Brewin, Chief Director UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said: “This contract is recognition of Hitachi Rail’s incredible maintenance team, and positive collaboration between TransPennine Express, Angel Trains and Hitachi Rail. We will continue to invest and work tirelessly so the Nova 1 fleet goes from strength to strength.”
Paul Staples, Fleet, Safety and Service Delivery Director for TransPennine Express, added: “We have had a long and productive relationship with Hitachi and we are delighted to continue working together with the award of this eight-year contract extension. We rely on Hitachi as a strategic partner to help us put customers at the heart of everything that we do and ensure that our Nova 1 trains offer the best journey experience when people choose to travel with us.”
