Hitachi Rail signs £500 million contract to supply 70 new intercity train cars in UK

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London, United Kingdom (Urban Transport News): Hitachi Rail has secured a significant contract with FirstGroup plc and Angel Trains Limited to lease 14 new, UK-manufactured five-car electric and bi-mode trains. The £500 million deal will see the delivery of 70 new rail cars over the next few years, marking a major step in the growth of FirstGroup's open access services across the UK.

The new trains, to be manufactured by Hitachi in County Durham, will enhance FirstGroup’s existing services and expand its open access portfolio. These trains will be used on the newly announced London-Carmarthen route, as well as to increase capacity on FirstGroup’s existing Hull Trains and Lumo services along the East Coast Mainline.

Supporting UK Manufacturing and Economic Growth

The agreement also plays a vital role in supporting UK manufacturing. The trains will be built at Hitachi Rail’s factory in County Durham, helping to secure local jobs and expertise. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited the factory in Newton Aycliffe to celebrate the deal, underscoring the importance of this contract to both the local economy and the UK’s rail industry.

The delivery of the new trains is expected to begin in late 2027, with the lease agreement spanning a period of ten years. The trains will be maintained at Hitachi’s facilities across the UK, ensuring high standards of service and reliability.

Open Access Rail Services to Drive Connectivity and Capacity

FirstGroup’s new fleet will serve critical routes connecting underserved areas of the UK. The London-Carmarthen route, which was officially announced on December 5, will provide direct rail services to a region that has limited access to fast, affordable rail travel. Additionally, the new trains will increase capacity on the Lumo and Hull Trains services, offering passengers more choice for eco-friendly travel.

The agreement also includes an option for FirstGroup to lease an additional 13 trains if their open access applications are granted by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). These applications include potential new services, such as a Lumo connection between London and Paignton, a new Hull Trains route between London and Sheffield, and expanded services between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Supporting the Green Transition and Economic Growth

Open access rail operators like FirstGroup are entirely privately funded, taking on full commercial risk. The successful open access model allows for greater competition, increased capacity, and new connections, all of which contribute to reducing the UK’s carbon footprint by encouraging a shift from road travel to more sustainable rail options.

FirstGroup CEO Graham Sutherland emphasized the strategic importance of these new trains, stating, “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."

Sutherland continued, “We are committed to providing competitive, sustainable, and improved services that help to drive social mobility and future economic growth, while also supporting UK manufacturing and offering more environmentally friendly travel choices for passengers.”

A Bright Future for UK Rail Industry

This contract marks the first significant investment in UK open access rail services in six years, according to Malcolm Brown, CEO of Angel Trains. He hailed the deal as a major milestone for the UK rail industry, highlighting its potential to bring millions of new passengers onto the network while connecting key regional centers across the country.

Brown also noted the potential for this partnership to contribute to the green transition of the rail infrastructure, making it more sustainable and efficient for future generations.

Jim Brewin, Chief Director of UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, also expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We look forward to once again delivering for Hull Trains and Lumo passengers, who will benefit further from our award-winning British-built trains.”

With this new investment, the UK’s rail network is set to see increased capacity, improved connectivity, and more sustainable travel options, contributing to both regional economic growth and the country’s long-term environmental goals. The collaboration between Hitachi Rail, Angel Trains, and FirstGroup marks a significant step forward in the evolution of the UK’s rail services, driving innovation and growth across the industry.