Alstom has secured a significant contract to build a new fleet of battery-electric trains for services across northern England. The agreement, announced by the Department for Transport (DfT), is expected to bolster manufacturing in the UK and enhance rail travel for thousands of passengers.
The new battery-electric trains are intended to serve key routes, including those connecting Liverpool Lime Street with Scarborough, Manchester Airport with Saltburn, and Manchester Piccadilly with Hull. According to the DfT, the introduction of these trains is a crucial step in the Transpennine Route Upgrade, aiming to increase capacity by 30% and provide thousands of additional seats daily by the early to mid-2030s. Journey times are also projected to be reduced, with up to 10 minutes cut between Manchester and Leeds, and up to 14 minutes between Manchester and York.
Rock Rail will purchase the trains, which will then be leased to TransPennine Express. This development marks a significant moment for Alstom, which operates the largest rolling stock manufacturing site outside of China at its Litchurch Lane factory. The company recently secured a £370 million contract in 2024 to produce 10 new trains for London's Elizabeth line. This new agreement is particularly notable given that the Litchurch Lane factory, established in 1876, faced a redundancy consultation that put 1,300 jobs at risk less than three months prior.
Rob Whyte, managing director UK at Alstom, described the contract as a "landmark moment for Britain's railway." He highlighted that the country's first main line battery-electric trains will be designed and manufactured in Britain, showcasing British engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities. The government has stated that the work associated with this contract will support thousands of jobs throughout the United Kingdom.