First Hull Trains invest £68m in new 140mph rail fleet

First Hull Trains has invested £68m into a new fleet to ensure the Hull & Humber region stays connected with to London.

Despite the government’s decision to suspend rail electrification projects across the UK, Hull Trains is continuing to work with Network Rail and the ORR to maintain a high-speed sufficient service from the region to London.

As part of the multi-million pound investment, Hull Trains will introduce a fleet of Bi-Mode trains, which are capable of both electric and diesel operation at speeds of up to 140mph.

The company’s fleet will also increase to five units with up to 320 seats on each, which is a 50% increase in the number of seats for passengers.

As well as the new fleet, Hull Trains is currently trying to secure a ten-year extension to its deal with Network Rail, meaning the Hull to London service will continue to run until at least 2029.

The new Bi-Mode trains are expected to be operational by 2020, replacing Hull Trains’ current Class 180 units, which have a top speed of 125mph.

Will Dunnett, managing director of Hull Trains, said: “The new units will bring an even higher quality environment for passengers with new interiors, enhanced catering, air-conditioning and a quieter environment due to electric traction – all areas that we know are important to passengers.”

To guarantee the region doesn’t suffer in any way by delays to electrification plans, Mr Dunnett added: “In a nutshell, the Bi-Mode units deliver the benefits of electrification now. But as a result of their bi-mode capability, they also ensure that we can continue to serve stations such as Beverley after electrification of the Hull to Selby track is completed.

“The dual-function of the units also means that we can keep passengers on trains during disruption, which we would not be able to do in fully-electric units.

“Crucially, our plans will generate additional permanent job creation for the region as well as growth in the local economy through improved connectivity and journey times and ensuring that East Yorkshire and Humberside continues to benefit from a high-speed, first-class rail service.”

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