United Kingdom, 2005-May-16
Investment approaching a quarter of a billion pounds in passenger rail travel in the north of England and the creation of 100 new jobs, was formally unveiled today (16 May) by the Right Hon. Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for Transport.
The official opening of Siemens’ new, £30 million train maintenance depot along with an exclusive introduction to the first of the £200 million fleet of 51 Siemens built, 185 Pennine Class trains for First TransPennine Express, took place at the site of the new depot in Ardwick, Manchester.
The entire project is the culmination of a successful, partnership approach between the government, fleet owner HSBC Rail, train manufacturer and maintainer Siemens Transportation Systems and service operator First TransPennine Express.
The Ardwick depot will be complemented later this year by another £10m maintenance facility currently being built in York. These investments, along with the new trains will help to transform the quality of service for passengers on the strategically important TransPennine routes.
Welcoming the investment in rail travel for passengers in the North, Mr. Alexander said:
“This is great news for passengers in the North of England and I welcome the investment to this region's railway. The new technology should allow for trains to be maintained to a high standard and raise the quality of rail journeys."
Christian Roth, managing director of Siemens Transportation Systems, said:” The opening of this depot underlines the commitment not only of Siemens Transportation Systems, but of all the partners who have worked together to provide a facility that gives the best possible technical support to this fleet of trains.
Our investment will help to give the north of England an improved and more reliable rail network and I am delighted that we are part of this significant investment in the UK rail industry.”
The Pennine Class 185 trains are being introduced progressively on to the First TransPennine Express network and have been carrying passengers on the Hull – Manchester route since mid-March. All 51 trains are due to be in service by early 2007.
Moir Lockhead, chief executive of First Group, said: "The introduction of 51 new trains and construction of the train care depots that will maintain them, is a major step in transforming the quality of rail travel on the First TransPennine network. This is a substantial investment for transport in the north of England and represents a real boost to the improving reputation of rail travel. Passengers are using our trains in ever-increasing numbers and this investment reflects that increasing confidence in the reliability of rail as a credible alternative to making cross-Pennine journeys by road."
HSBC Rail (UK) Ltd. is financing the provision of the new trains which will be leased to First TransPennine Express during the life of its eight year franchise. Peter Aldridge, head of HSBC Rail said:”This is the culmination of a three year programme to improve services across the North of England. The success is built around the close working partnership, First Group and Siemens have built with us”
As the first diesel variant of the proven Siemens Desiro electric train design, the 185 Pennine Class features air conditioning for passenger and crew comfort, intercity train quality seating, including a first class section, on-board security cameras and easier access for disabled passengers.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
More about the Ardwick Depot:
The Ardwick depot has been designed specifically to cater for the new trains and incorporates a new wheel lathe and bogie drop, train wash facility and fuelling area. A number of key contractors have worked on the project. For the depot construction project was Taylor Woodrow; building services from NG Bailey and rail infrastructure by Atkins Rail. Design support was provided by Burks Green, also with significant project inputs from Network Rail and Roberts and Partners. The depot has been built on land which was previously derelict.
About the Pennine Class 185:
Onboard is space for two wheelchairs and a wheelchair accessible toilet. A new GPS communication based information system will keep passengers up to date throughout their journey. Equipped with three Cummins diesel engines, the trains have excellent hill-climbing abilities and much improved reliability. The trains will run in three and six-car formations.
The new three-carriage trains will be in full service from January 2007. A total of 153 new Pennine Class 185 train carriages will be introduced on to the First TransPennine Express network to replace the 139 carriages currently in service.
About Siemens:
Siemens was established in the United Kingdom 163 years ago. The company employs 21,122 people in the UK, including about 5,000 in the manufacturing sector. Last year’s revenues were £3 billion, including exports of £500 million. Siemens provides innovative, high-quality services and solutions to customers in a diverse range of industry sectors, including power, automation and control, information and communication, medical, transportation, lighting, and household. Siemens has offices and factories throughout the UK, with its headquarters in Bracknell, Berkshire. The company’s global headquarters is in Munich, Germany. For more information, visit www.siemens.co.uk
As part of Siemens in the UK, Siemens Transportation Systems employs around 800 people in the UK, providing proven expertise in rail systems and technology to the UK rail industry. With experience in delivering rail infrastructure technologies, turnkey projects and rolling stock projects, Siemens also provides and maintains passenger fleets for First TransPennine Express, SouthWest Trains, Heathrow Express, One Great Eastern, Northern Trains and Silverlink and Central Trains. For more information on Siemens Transportation Systems please visit www.siemenstransportation.co.uk
Mr. Deborah Risby
Head of Communications
For further information please contact:
Siemens Transportation Systems
Tel: 07808 822171
Mr. Alison Emery
PR & Communications Manager
Siemens Transportation Systems
Tel: 07808 827784