UK to build 29 new battery-powered trains in Derby
The Adessia Stream fleet, the first battery-powered model for long-distance UK journeys, will enter service in 2034.
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The UK government has announced plans for 29 new battery-powered trains, which will be constructed by Alstom at its Litchurch Lane works in Derby. These new Adessia Stream trains are set to be the first battery-powered model designed for long-distance mainline journeys in the United Kingdom. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2028, with the trains expected to enter service in 2034.
Increased Capacity and Jobs
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Prime minister Andy Burnham stated that the new fleet will significantly boost capacity on rail networks, projecting a 30% increase over the next ten years. The government has indicated that the manufacturing process in Derby will support approximately 350 local jobs, with an additional nearly 6,000 jobs expected to be created across the UK. The trains will also feature step-free boarding and onboard wifi.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the announcement, describing it as evidence of Great British Railways delivering improved travel experiences for passengers. She noted that the new trains would allow travellers to move away from older, overcrowded diesel services towards faster, more modern electric alternatives.
Environmental Benefits
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Beyond enhanced speed and capacity, the Adessia Stream trains are designed to operate without emissions on sections of the rail network that are not yet electrified. This capability is a key feature of the new battery-powered technology being introduced for long-distance routes.
Questions this report answers
+How many new battery-powered trains will be built?
Twenty-nine new battery-powered Adessia Stream trains will be constructed. These trains are designed for long-distance mainline journeys and are the first of their kind in the UK.
+When will the new trains enter service?
The new fleet of 29 battery-powered trains is expected to enter service in 2034. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2028.
+What impact will the new trains have on rail capacity?
Prime minister Andy Burnham stated that the new trains are expected to increase capacity on rail networks by 30% within the next decade. This aims to provide faster and more reliable journeys.
+Where will the new trains be built and what jobs will this create?
The trains will be built by Alstom in Derby, supporting approximately 350 local jobs. The government estimates that nearly 6,000 jobs will be created across the UK as a result of this project.
WE FILE
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