TPE accepts first of its new Nova 2 trains

Train operator TransPennine Express (TPE) has accepted the first of its new fleet of Nova 2 trains from Spanish manufacturer CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles).

TPE is purchasing three fleets of new trains, and this acceptance of the first Nova 2 means that TPE has now accepted trains from each of the Nova fleets.

Nova 1 is TPE’s five-car version of the Hitachi Intercity Express Programme Class 802 train that is already in service with GWR and is just entering passenger service (as the electric-only Class 800) with LNER as the Azuma.

Nova 3 is a locomotive-hauled train consisting of a Class 68 loco, a rake of four Mk 5A coaches and a driving car trailer. The Class 68 locomotives will be leased from Direct Rail Services and maintained at Alstom’s Longsight depot in Manchester. Both the new sets of coaches and the Class 68 locomotives are to be owned by Beacon Rail.

TPE major projects director Chris Nutton said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve now accepted the first of our Nova 2 trains, meaning we now have at least one of each of our Nova fleets.

“This particular train has completed many thousands of miles of fault free running over the last few months, and the project is progressing as planned. Together with our partners, we’re working hard to get our fantastic new trains into service as soon as possible, and by the end of the year we’ll have trains from all our Nova fleets running across the North and into Scotland.”

Stephen Timothy, client relations director of Eversholt Rail, which will own the new trains and lease them to TPE, added: “I am delighted that the first of our new Nova 2 trains has been accepted. This is the culmination of fantastic teamwork across TPE, CAF and Eversholt Rail and a big step towards bringing these brand-new trains into service for TPE passengers”

Each Nova train features spacious, comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi in both first and standard class, plug sockets and USB charging points, improved information systems and access to complimentary Exstream entertainment.