Alec has welcomed news that the final order for no fewer than four fleets of brand new trains to serve lines running through Elmet & Rothwell has been confirmed.
It was a condition of the Conservative Government that both the new Northern and Transpennine Express franchises would introduce new trains. This then allows for a “cascade”, where trains from the 2000s can replace even older trains. This will allow for, by 2020, the replacement of the unpopular and outdated “Pacer” trains from the lines serving Garforth, Micklefield and Woodlesford.
On the Northern franchise, brand new diesel trains will take over duties on the York to Blackpool route through Garforth, with additional electric trains to be introduced when the line is electrified through to Selby over the next few years.
On the TransPennine Express franchise, which operates faster trains between York and Manchester, there will be two new fleets of trains, both capable of 125mph. Firstly, Hitachi is building a fleet of “bi-mode” multiple unit trains, able to run on both diesel and electric power, and based on the technology of the famous Japanese Bullet Train. Secondly, confirmed today, the Spanish manufacturer CAF is to construct 65 state-of-the-art traditional railway carriages to be powered by Class 68 diesel locomotives, one of the most environmentally friendly locomotives ever built.
All of these new fleets will be fully fitted with WiFi and all the latest passenger comforts.
Alec commented, “I am delighted that passengers in my constituency will soon be able to travel on some of the very best that the rail industry has to offer. I will now press on to push Leeds City Council for further transport improvements in our area to make sure all residents in Elmet & Rothwell will be able to fully benefit from the unprecedented investment our Conservative Government is dedicating to public transport”.