SPANISH TRAIN builder Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) has been awarded the €500 million contract to provide a fleet of 10 tri-mode trains for London North Eastern Railway.
Although further technical information has not yet been released, CAF says the trains will be based on its Civity UK design and fitted with state-of-the-art safety technology, along with the most stringent requirements in interior design and comfort. A date for their introduction into service with LNER will be made in the future.
The 10-coach trains will be assembled at CAF’s Newport facility in South Wales. They will be capable of operating on overhead electrification, battery, or diesel power, and LNER said that their introduction will provide a reduction in emissions, particulates, and noise and vibration pollution.
The fleet will also lower maintenance and operating costs and contain upgradeable technology, with an expected increase in range and performance as technology develops.
The battery power option provided by the trains will reduce the need to use diesel traction in areas where overhead line equipment is unavailable and the fleet will provide LNER with operational flexibility, as they should be able to be used on both electrified and non-electrified sections of LNER’s 956-mile network.
In addition to the train-building contract – financed by Porterbrook, which will lease them to LNER – CAF will also provide maintenance services for the fleet for eight years.
LNER managing director David Horne said: “Successfully delivering this new fleet is an integral part of LNER’s business plan. Our focus is ensuring we create a fleet that truly matches the needs of all our customers, with clear targets on setting new standards for comfort, accessibility, and exceptional customer service.”
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “Replacing ageing rolling stock is crucial to the sustainability, reliability and growth of our rail network and I’m delighted passengers travelling on LNER services will benefit from improved services and greener journeys on these mo
