TransPennine Express (TPE) has begun rolling out refurbished seating across its Nova 1 fleet, with businesses from across the North of England playing a central role in the programme.
The refurbishment will see all 19 Nova 1 trains fitted with new seat covers and cushions by the end of the year, supporting passenger comfort while showcasing regional manufacturing and design expertise.
Regional supply chain collaboration
The project has brought together companies from across the North and Midlands, with Sheffield-based Diamond Group supplying the new seat covers and cushions, while Yorkshire textile manufacturer Camira, based in Mirfield, supported the colour selection and material sampling.
Working in partnership with Hitachi Rail, the new interiors were designed by Derby-based industrial designers David Gordon and Andy Sykes.
The refreshed seat design draws inspiration from the shard motif used in TPE’s branding and the exterior livery of the Nova 1 fleet, creating a modern appearance while retaining the trains’ existing interior style.
Accessibility was also a key focus throughout the design process, with high-contrast colours incorporated to improve visibility for visually impaired passengers alongside durable materials intended to withstand everyday use.
Investment in passengers and local industry
Paul Staples, Engineering, Safety and Sustainability Director at TransPennine Express, said: “I am really pleased that we are starting to deploy this fresh new look for everyone travelling with us on our Nova 1 trains.
“We have worked with Hitachi and a number of businesses local to our network so this project not only makes the trains look better for our customers but supports the communities that we serve.
“We will be looking for opportunities for similar investments in our other fleets in the future but while we look for those opportunities we are working with our suppliers to increase our levels of cleaning and replacement of the current seat cover designs.”
For Diamond Rail Services, the programme has also delivered wider economic benefits.
Jenny Dempsey, Managing Director of Diamond Rail Services, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be supporting TransPennine Express with this refurbishment programme.
“As a Sheffield-based business, it’s especially rewarding to work with a train operator that serves our local community. The programme has enabled us to create new jobs and invest in growing our team, demonstrating the value of keeping investment within the local supply chain.
“Working alongside TPE, Hitachi Rail and fellow Yorkshire business Camira has been a fantastic example of what can be achieved when regional expertise comes together.”
Supporting future fleet improvements
The Nova 1 seating refurbishment forms part of TPE’s wider efforts to enhance the passenger experience while supporting businesses across its operating region.
Although the operator has not announced similar programmes for its other fleets, it said it will continue exploring future refurbishment opportunities alongside ongoing work with suppliers to improve cleaning standards and replace existing seat covers where required. The project also highlights the role that regional supply chains can play in delivering rail improvements while supporting jobs and investment across the North of England.
