East Coast Main Line to get fleet of new trains

By Jim ScottBBC News

A fleet of new trains, which can run on battery power, electricity and diesel, have been unveiled for the UK.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) said 10 "tri-mode" trains would be introduced to the East Coast Main Line.

The 10-carriage units will be built by Spanish-rail manufacturer, CAF. They will run between London, Yorkshire, northern England and Scotland.

The project will reduce carbon emissions and lower maintenance costs, according to LNER.

The government-run operator said the contract to build the fleet had been awarded following a thorough procurement process.

Hitachi Rail, which has a plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, constructed - and currently maintains - the firm's 65 current Azuma trains.

However, both LNER and Hitachi declined to comment on whether the Japanese-manufacturer had placed a bid for the deal.

LNER said the new trains, which will run alongside the Azuma fleet, would increase performance and the range a unit could travel on battery power. They suggested the trains would be future-proofed as technology develops.

"Successfully delivering this new fleet is an integral part of LNER's Business Plan," LNER managing director David Horne said.

"Our focus is ensuring we create a fleet that truly matches the needs of all our customers, with clear targets on setting new standards for comfort, accessibility, and exceptional customer service."

Manufacturer CAF, which has already built trains for French firm SNCF and operators in the UK including First Group, will assemble the trains in Newport, Wales. They will also be responsible for the fleet's maintenance.

Its UK director Richard Garner said the trains would increase "efficiency" of services operating along the East Coast Main Line.

"The new CAF fleet of more sustainable and environmentally friendly tri-mode trains will reduce carbon emissions, noise and vibration pollution and optimise energy consumption", he said.

Rail minister Huw Merriman added that the introduction of new trains, and phasing out of older rolling stock, was "crucial" to the sustainability, reliability and growth of the UK's rail network.

A date for when the new trains will enter service is yet to be confirmed.

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