A report in International Railway Journal says Trans-Pennine Express (TPE) launched its new Nova fleet of trains in a ceremony at Liverpool’s Lime Street Station on 22 November, marking the completion of a £500 million upgrade project (www.tpexpress.co.uk).

The fleet of 44 new five-car trains (of three different) types was built by CAF and Hitachi; it was financed by Beacon Rail Leasing, Eversholt Rail Group and Angel Trains.

Hitachi Rail class 802/2 Nova 1 bi-mode trains (342 seats) will run from Liverpool to Newcastle and from Edinburgh to Manchester Airport and Newcastle (www.hitachirail-eu.com).

The 12 class 397s Nova 2 trains from CAF (286 seats) will run from Manchester and Liverpool to Glasgow and Edinburgh (via Preston), while the 13 CAF Mk5A ‘Nova 3’ push-pull trains will operate between Liverpool, Manchester Airport,
Scarborough and Middlesbrough.

These trains operate in push-pull mode with Vossloh/Stadler Rail Valencia class 68 locomotives (sub-leased from Direct Rail Services).

Hitachi Rail group CEO Andrew Barr said: “The new Nova 1 fleet will nearly double the number of seats available to passengers — up to 161 extra per train.

“These modern inter-city trains, incorporating bullet train technology, will make journeys across the North smoother and more reliable.”

CAF UK director Richard Garner said: “CAF is extremely proud to be part of a hugely successful team approach between
our company, TPE, Eversholt Rail and Beacon Rail Leasing, which sees the Nova 2 and Nova 3 entering passenger service.

“These high-quality high-performance trains will give TPE customers across the north of England and Scotland a transformed onboard experience, making a real difference to this important and busy rail network.”