The new Nova 3 trains has now commenced testing at the Velim Test centre in the Czech Republic and are on track to enter service towards the end of 2018 say TransPennine Express.

The 13 state of the art, five carriage trains each have 291 seats compared to 181 on the current Class 185 trains operated by on the route.

Each train features high quality, comfortable seating and interiors with more luggage space, plug and USB charging points, free on-board Wi-Fi in both standard and first class and entertainment system, Exstream featuring the latest TV shows, news and films. Modern display screens that will provide real time reservation information have also been installed, which will make life easier for customers.

Once testing is complete, the trains will travel to the UK where further tests will be carried out before the new trains begin carrying customers between Liverpool, Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, York, Scarborough and Middlesbrough.

Leo Goodwin, Managing Director for TransPennine Express said: “It’s great that our plans are now becoming reality and I can’t wait for our customers to see and experience these futuristic trains for themselves.

“New trains mean more seats and the experience onboard these new carriages will be completely transformed. Customers in this part of the world will soon be travelling on some of the newest trains in the country.”

The new trains are being manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and financed by Beacon Rail. They will be pulled by Class 68 locomotives which will also be owned by Beacon Rail, leased by Direct Rail Services and maintained at Alstom’s facilities at Longsight (Manchester).

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