First TransPennine Express Ltd has awarded Hitachi Rail Europe and leasing company Angel Trains a contract to supply 19 five-car AT300 electro-diesel multiple units for use on the TransPennine Express franchise in northern England from December 2019.
The contract was announced on March 31, the day before the new TransPennine Express franchise starts. FirstGroup said the AT300 would be 'amongst the most advanced inter-city trains in the UK', and 'completely remodel the experience of train travel in the North'.
The AT300 trainset will be 'closely related' to the Class 800 electro-diesel trainsets being supplied under the Department for Transport's Intercity Express Programme, but to cope with the gradients on the TransPennine network they will utilise higher engine operating power, and be equipped with larger fuel tanks and brake resistors.
They will have a service speed of 200 km/h, but with the capability for running at 225 km/h subject to the provision of suitable infrastructure.
(Permalink) AT300 Class 800 First TransPennine Express Hitachi