Nova Trains Launched by TransPennine

Three new fleets of trains said to be the "most advanced anywhere on the UK network" have been unveiled by TransPennine Express.

The new 'Nova' fleets will provide almost double the number of seats than previously, as a result the result of a £500m investment by the northern rail firm.

Leo Goodwin, managing director of TransPennine Express, said: “Our vision was for Nova to represent the brightest future for rail in the north and we are so pleased to today make this vision a reality for customers, colleagues and businesses who make the TransPennine Express network such a crucial part of our infrastructure here in Liverpool and across the north.”

Built by Hitachi and CAF, they will operate between Liverpool , Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh, Scarborough and Middlesbrough and boast plug sockets and USB points at every seat.

 A Nova 3 Train approaching York on a service from Scarborough 

 Nova 3 Trains are powered by Class 68's seen here at York alongside a Class144 DMU

The firm said the new fleets consisting of 44 trains have been named Nova to give it a name that "reflects the positive changes and explosion of energy that will truly transform rail travel for customers".

Each train offers between 286-342 seats and five carriages.

Nova 1 serves Liverpool to Newcastle and Edinburgh to Manchester Airport and Newcastle, Nova 2 travels between Manchester and Liverpool to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Preston, and Nova 3 moves between Liverpool, Manchester Airport, Scarborough and Middlesbrough.

 Class185 DMU's will be replaced by Nova 1's, almost doubling
the number of available seats

A start date for the new direct service from Liverpool to Glasgow is also to be announced by the firm over the coming weeks.

The firm said the new fleet features high quality seating and interiors with more luggage space, free on-board wi-fi in both standard and first class and the entertainment system Exstream featuring TV shows, news and films.

Andrew Barr, Hitachi Rail’s Group CEO, said: “The new Nova 1 fleet will nearly double the number of seats available to passengers – up to a whopping 161 extra per train.


"These modern intercity trains – built incorporating bullet train technology – will make journeys across the North smoother and more reliable.


“Delivering the Hitachi fleet on time will allow passengers to have an early Christmas present, with trains that are proven to boost passenger satisfaction.”