Key facts
- The UK government announced the construction of 29 new battery-powered trains for TransPennine Express.
- The new trains, Adessia Stream models, will be the first battery-powered trains used for long-distance mainline journeys in the UK.
- The trains are scheduled to enter service in 2034.
- The construction will support 350 local jobs in Derby and nearly 6,000 across the UK.
- Journeys between major northern cities are expected to be shorter, with rail capacity increasing by 30% in the next decade.
- The trains will run without emissions on non-electrified routes and feature step-free boarding and onboard Wi-Fi.
The UK government has announced plans to introduce a new fleet of 29 battery-powered trains, operated by TransPennine Express, aimed at improving rail services in the north of England. The Adessia Stream trains, manufactured by Alstom at its Derby facility, are set to enter service in 2034. This initiative is expected to create 350 local jobs in Derby and nearly 6,000 across the UK. Prime Minister Andy Burnham emphasized the need for improved reliability and efficiency in northern rail services, stating that the new trains will shorten journey times between major cities and increase capacity by 30% over the next decade. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander lauded the announcement as a step towards better passenger journeys and support for British businesses, envisioning a future with faster, emission-free electric trains replacing overcrowded and delayed diesel services.