TPE accepts first Class 397

TransPennine Express 397005 is the first of 12 five-car 125mph electric multiple units accepted by the operator.

The CAF-built train completed most of its fault-free running in Spain, where it was constructed, and following final tests in the UK, it has been added to the TPE fleet ahead of an Autumn launch on the Liverpool/Manchester-Glasgow/Edinburgh routes that were originally due to start last December.

The ‘397s’ are one of three new fleets ordered by TPE, although none are in service. All are branded Nova. Chris Nutton, TPE Major Projects Director, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve now accepted the first of our Nova 2 trains, meaning we now have at least one of each of our Nova fleets. The project is progressing as planned.”

CAF UK Director Richard Garner said: “The high-quality, high-performance trains are a variant of the highly successful Civity platform will provide TPE customers across the North of England and Scotland with a transformed on-board experience, making a real difference to this important and busy rail network.”

Eversholt Rail owns the trains. The rolling stock company’s Client Relations Director Stephen Timothy said: “This is the culmination of fantastic team work across TPE, CAF and Eversholt Rail and a big step towards bringing these brand new trains into service for TPE passengers”

They will replace four-car Class 350/4s on the Manchester-Scotland route. Also in the UK, but not yet accepted, are 397001/003/004/006.

• For the FULL story on new TPE trains, read RAIL 885, published on August 14, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from August 10.

• To read about delays to the TPE Mk 5A introduction, read RAIL 883, out now.