Government secures new battery hybrid train contract to deliver North East jobs in boost for UK rail industry

Following the £500m deal announced by the Government in December, this week the Government secured a new contract between Angel Trains, Arriva Group, Grand Central and Hitachi Rail.

The order includes nine cutting-edge battery hybrid trains to replace the entire Grand Central fleet, providing a major boost to the regional economy. The nine trains include forty-five Hitachi Rail ‘tri-mode’ cars, able to run on both electrified and non-electrified tracks, along with a 10-year maintenance contract.

The trains will be manufactured at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory, helping to protect jobs and skills at the important regional manufacturing base. Meanwhile, the battery element of the order unlocks new advanced manufacturing opportunities for wider supply chain across the region.

Luke Myer MP visited the site last year, and committed to work with other MPs in the region to safeguard the future of the site. They raised the matter with Government, and a landmark deal was confirmed in December to save the site. The further investment confirmed today cements the site’s future.

The new trains will increase seat numbers, meaning 400,000 additional seats per year will be available to passengers travelling between the North East, Yorkshire and London. The trains will be delivered in 2028.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

“The landmark deal is proof that our Plan for Change is delivering results – creating the right environment for investment, which in turn supports high-skilled jobs, drives economic growth and delivers real improvement in people’s lives.

“Not only will this new battery technology deliver greener journeys for passengers, but it will also boost skills for the workforce and futureproof jobs here in Newton Aycliffe as we continue to deliver a railway fit for the 21st century.”