[UK] TransPennine Express officially launches its Nova train fleet

TransPennine Express launched its Nova trains to the public at Liverpool’s Lime Street station. A nice opportunity to show you Nova 1, Nova 2 and Nova 3, side by side.

On Friday the 22nd of November, TransPennine Express (TPE), a First group company, launched its full range of Nova trains at Liverpool’s Lime Street station to the public. TransPennine Express runs regional and intercity services between major cities in Northern England and Scotland with a significant number of new trains, the designated Nova 1, Nova 2 or Nova 3. The new trains feature more luggage space, power sockets, USB charging points, and free wifi. TV shows and news will be provided via an onboard entertainment system.

Leo Goodwin, Managing Director of TransPennine Express, said: “Our vision was for Nova to represent the brightest future for rail in the north …”.

An overview of the Nova fleet members at Liverpool’s Lime Street Station – Photo: TransPennine Express

Hitachi Rail: Nova 1 > see dossier

The public was able to have a look at the new TPE rolling stock. At platform 5 the Hitachi built Nova 1, unit 802 206, was on display. Nineteen of this bi-mode (diesel/electric) intercity-trains were ordered for routes between Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. Hitachi will maintain the Nova 1 trains in Edinburgh and Doncaster. They are financed via Angel trains.

CAF: Nova 2 > See dossier

Nova 2 train 397 007, a 5-car-EMU based on CAF’s Civity-product, could be inspected at platform 4. Twelve Nova 2 trains were ordered for train services connecting Manchester and Liverpool to Glasgow and Edinburgh via Preston. Eversholt Rail Group financed the Nova 2 trains, CAF will provide maintenance.

TransPennine Express’ Nova 1 and Nova 2 side by side trains at Lime Street station in Liverpool on 22.11.2019 – Photo: TransPennine Express

Nova 3; Mk5 coaches by CAF, Stadler Rail locomotives leased from DRS > dossier

At platform 3 the locomotive-hauled Nova 3 train was present; a rake of CAF-built Mk5 coaches and a class 68 diesel locomotive. Nova 3 trains will serve passengers between Liverpool, Manchester Airport Scarborough, and Middlesbrough. The new Nova fleet is financed by Beacon Rail Leasing and CAF will maintain the Mk5a coaches in Manchester.

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