Very high-speed trains to be built in UK
The Hitachi-Alstom High Speed joint venture has signed contracts worth £1.97bn with HS2 to design and build the next generation of very high-speed trains for HS2 Phase 1.
The deal, which is expected to create and sustain over 2,500 jobs and add £157m GVA to the UK economy for every year of the train building phase, includes an initial 12-year train maintenance contract for the 54 all-electric trains.
In a statement Alstom’s managing director, UK & Ireland, Nick Crossfield said: “HS2 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Britain by building a sustainable transport system fit for the 21st Century.
"I am delighted that Alstom’s joint venture with Hitachi Rail has been selected to develop, build and maintain in Britain the next generation of high-speed trains.”
The new 200m-long, 8-car trains will run in Phase 1 of the project between London and Birmingham and on the existing network. According to Hitachi-Alstom High Speed (HAH-S), the trains will be able to run at a maximum speed of 225mph and be one of the world’s most energy efficient very high-speed trains due to lower train mass per passenger, aerodynamic design, regenerative power and efficient traction technology’.
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