Contract Summary
Contract Details:
- Parties Involved: FirstGroup and Angel Trains.
- Scope: Procurement and leasing of 14 trainsets (70 cars total) to be manufactured by Hitachi Rail under the "Class 800" series.
- Train Types: Includes electric-only vehicles for electrified sections and bi-mode vehicles equipped with either batteries or diesel engines for non-electrified routes.
- Lease Term: 10 years.
- Project Cost: Approximately £500 million (around ¥96.1 billion).
Operations Plan:
- Target Routes:
- New Route: London to Carmarthen.
- Existing Brands:
- Lumo: London–Rochdale via Newton-le-Willows, Glasgow–Edinburgh.
- Hull Trains: London–Sheffield via Retford and Worksop.
- Additional Candidate Routes: London–Paignton, among others.
- Operational Model:
- To be used on FirstGroup's open-access lines.
- Adopts an open-access model supported by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Train Features:
- Class 800 Series:
- High-speed intercity vehicles.
- Equipped with environmentally friendly technologies, including batteries and bi-mode functionality.
- Maintenance Plan:
- Maintenance to be carried out at Hitachi Rail’s depots across the UK.
- Delivery Start: Scheduled for 2027.
Potential for Additional Orders:
- FirstGroup is applying for approval of new open-access routes.
- Upon approval, an additional order of up to 13 trainsets is possible, with an estimated additional cost of £500 million.
- Candidate routes include extensions to existing lines and new connections.
Significance of the Open-Access Model:
- Rail Capacity Expansion: Partial market opening to private operators.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Strengthening access to underserved regions.
- Economic Growth: Supporting regional development.
- Modal Shift: Encouraging a shift from cars and airplanes to trains, reducing environmental impact.
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