UK Rail Transformed: £300m Tri-Mode Fleet Order to Boost Capacity, Cut Emissions, and Revolutionize Travel

UK Rail Transformed: £300m Tri-Mode Fleet Order to Boost Capacity, Cut Emissions, and Revolutionize Travel

(IN BRIEF) Arriva Group has announced a £300 million order for 45 new trains, featuring state-of-the-art tri-mode technology that can operate on electrified tracks, battery power, or diesel. Manufactured at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe facility and financed by Angel Trains, the new fleet will increase seating capacity by 20 percent, adding about 400,000 extra seats annually. The tri-mode technology is designed to cut emissions and fuel costs by around 30 percent and offers the benefit of zero-emission battery mode for station access, supporting the UK Government’s decarbonisation goals. The deal, confirmed at a ceremony attended by the Secretary of State for Transport, is part of Arriva’s broader strategy to enhance regional connectivity and secure a long-term commitment to sustainable public transport. Additionally, the investment reinforces the role of the North East as a hub for advanced rail manufacturing, supporting high-skilled jobs and future growth in the industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 3-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Arriva Group has placed an order valued at around £300 million for a new fleet of trains, which will boost seating capacity by 20 percent and enhance both connectivity and overall capacity. The order covers 45 advanced rail cars to be manufactured at Hitachi Rail’s Newton Aycliffe facility in the North East, with financing provided by Angel Trains. This investment is set to secure highly skilled jobs and open up new opportunities in advanced rail manufacturing.

The new trains feature state-of-the-art ‘tri-mode’ technology, which enables operation on electrified tracks, non-electrified lines using battery power, or traditional diesel. This innovative technology has been proven to reduce emissions and fuel costs by approximately 30 percent, aligning with the UK Government’s decarbonisation targets. The tri-mode capability also allows the trains to enter and exit stations in zero-emission battery mode, helping to improve air quality and reduce urban noise.

At the announcement held at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe factory, which was attended by the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, Arriva Group detailed that the new fleet will include an additional 20 percent more seats, equating to around 400,000 extra seats per year for passengers travelling between the North East, Yorkshire, and London. This order comes in conjunction with extended track access rights granted by the rail regulator for Grand Central services until 2038, underscoring Arriva’s long-term commitment to sustainable public transport across the UK and Europe.

Amanda Furlong, Managing Director of Arriva UK Trains, emphasized that this major investment not only underscores their commitment to the UK market but also connects underserved communities with regional and national hubs, making sustainable travel the preferred option. She expressed excitement about the additional comfort, increased capacity, and new features such as enhanced luggage storage, in-seat power, and an electronic reservation system that these trains will offer.

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, highlighted the significance of the £300 million deal, noting that it builds on previous investments made at Newton Aycliffe and further solidifies the region’s role as a hub for advanced rail manufacturing. North East Mayor Kim McGuinness also expressed pride in the deal, which reinforces the future of Hitachi’s workforce in County Durham and the region’s manufacturing capabilities.

Jim Brewin, Hitachi Rail’s Chief Director for UK & Ireland, remarked that as the industry celebrates 200 years of modern rail in the North East, the introduction of innovative battery hybrid trains marks a transformative moment for UK rail. David Jordan, COO of Angel Trains, echoed this sentiment, stating that the multimillion-pound investment will drive economic growth, support community connectivity, and unlock the potential of battery technology for both existing and new rail fleets.

The new trains are scheduled for delivery in 2028 under a 10-year leasing arrangement. This order not only supports the UK Government’s industrial strategy and decarbonisation agenda but also sets a benchmark for future investment in sustainable and advanced rail technology.

Notes to Editors:

• The rolling stock order follows approval by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) of Arriva’s application to extend existing track access rights for Grand Central until 2038.
• Grand Central has been running services on the East Coast mainline since 2007 as an open access operator, which means it receives no government funding or subsidy.
• Last month (March), Arriva formally applied to the ORR to expand its Grand Central Services into Lincolnshire from 2026, providing the first direct train service from Cleethorpes to London since 1992. It is also seeking approval for proposals for two extra daily return services between Bradford and London and an early morning and late evening return from York to London, together with services to Seaham in County Durham, which would be the town’s first and only direct connection to the Capital.
• Arriva Group’s train operators include Grand Central, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry and Arriva Rail London.  It is the only owning group with experience of all contract types currently in use on Britain’s railway, including national rail contracts, a concessionary contract and an open access company.  Arriva also supports the critical maintenance of rolling stock through Arriva Train Care and provides rail replacement services through Arriva Road Transport Solutions.  It also owns a digital smart ticketing platform, Arriva Customer Engine.
• Hitachi Rail and Angel Trains successful trialled the tri-mode technology on the UK rail network in 2024. More information on the trial and the capabilities of tri-mode technology can be viewed here.

About Arriva Group:

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day. The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe. Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.

Media Contact:

Arriva Group press office
communications@arriva.co.uk

SOURCE: Arriva Group