Image credit: Hitachi Rail / First Group
FirstGroup has announced a significant expansion of its open access rail services, with the order of 14 new trains from Hitachi Rail. These state-of-the-art trains, to be manufactured in County Durham, will support the launch of a new London-Carmarthen route and increase capacity on existing Lumo and Hull Trains services.
The £500 million investment will secure jobs and skills in the UK rail industry, with Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe factory set to manufacture the 70-car fleet. The new trains will offer enhanced passenger comfort, improved reliability, and reduced environmental impact.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Newton Aycliffe, County Durham to celebrate a significant agreement for the Hitachi Rail Limited factory which has secured an order to manufacture 70 new rail cars for leading transport operator FirstGroup’s growing open access business, creating certainty for the manufacturing skills base, and the factory’s future.
FirstGroup’s expansion into new markets and the potential for further growth through additional open access applications demonstrates the increasing demand for high-quality, customer-focused rail services.
Key Points:
- New Route: A new London-Carmarthen service will be launched.
- Increased Capacity: Existing Lumo and Hull Trains services will benefit from additional carriages.
- Job Creation: The manufacturing of the new trains will support jobs in County Durham.
- Sustainable Transport: The new trains will contribute to reduced carbon emissions.
FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland said: “The introduction of our new service between London and Carmarthen, and the extra capacity on Lumo and Hull Trains, will significantly increase our open access portfolio over the next few years, with further expansion possible should our recent applications be successful. The new trains, to be manufactured for us in County Durham by Hitachi, will support UK manufacturing and offer customers more choice as they consider affordable, environmentally friendly modes of travel in the future, and we are pleased to be taking them forward.
“We know that growth and innovation are key for the future of the railway sector and are committed to working with government and all our partners to provide competitive, sustainable and improved services. Successful open access services can provide new connections, add capacity, support local businesses and suppliers, secure jobs and help to drive social mobility and future economic growth.”
Jim Brewin, Chief Director of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, stated: “This contract is a positive step forward, and just recognition for the hard work and patience of our teams across the Hitachi Rail UK business over recent years. We look forward to once again delivering for Hull Trains and Lumo passengers who will benefit further from our award-winning British built trains.
“We owe a lot to the innovation and creativity shown by our customers Angel Trains and FirstGroup and are excited to work in collaboration to deliver on our combined ambitions.
“Equally, we owe a debt of thanks to the Northeast Mayor Kim McGuiness and other local MPs who have worked tirelessly in support of this private sector investment.”
Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains, said: “This is a major milestone for the UK rail industry. In less than three months we have delivered c.£250m of investment that will bring millions more passengers onto the rail network, connect key regional centres across the UK, secure crucial manufacturing jobs and breathe new life into local economies.
“This is the first announcement of its kind in six years but our ambitions don’t stop here – this milestone represents the beginning of a new and exciting journey, which will see Angel Trains play a leading role in the green transition of our rail infrastructure.”
FirstGroup’s commitment to open access rail services highlights the potential for increased competition and improved passenger experience in the UK rail sector.
