Menu
12/02/2009
Massive Jobs Boost With 'Biggest' Rail Order
Over 12,500 jobs are to be created with the single biggest investment in Intercity trains for a generation, Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon announced today.
Agility Trains has been selected as the preferred bidder for a £7.5bn contract to build and maintain a fleet of new Super Express trains for the Great Western and East Coast main lines. These will replace existing high speed trains which are 20-30 years old.
Agility - a British-led consortium comprising of John Laing, Hitachi and Barclays - will make a significant inward investment as part of this contract. They will build a new train manufacturing plant in the UK, as well as depots in Bristol, Reading, Doncaster, Leeds and west London with upgrades to existing depots throughout Great Britain. This will create or safeguard some 12,500 manufacturing jobs in these regions.
Geoff Hoon also announced that the Department is in advanced negotiations with National Express East Anglia to provide 120 new carriages for the Stansted Express service from London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport. The preferred bidder for this order is Bombardier Transportation, who plan to build them in Derby and therefore safeguard jobs there.
Geoff Hoon said: "This announcement demonstrates that this Government is prepared to invest, even in difficult economic times, by improving our national infrastructure. It is good news for the British Economy that over 12,500 jobs will be created and safeguarded; good news for the regions that the Government is supporting significant inward investment; and good news for passengers that we are taking the steps necessary to improve their rail journeys."
The first of the new trains will enter service on the East Coast mainline in 2013. Trains will enter full service from 2015, linking London with Cambridge, Leeds, Hull, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh and linking London with the Thames Valley, Bristol and South Wales.
Government rail experts working alongside the rail industry have created a new specification for these trains that will offer more seats, more reliable services and reduced journey times.
(JM/BMcC)
Agility Trains has been selected as the preferred bidder for a £7.5bn contract to build and maintain a fleet of new Super Express trains for the Great Western and East Coast main lines. These will replace existing high speed trains which are 20-30 years old.
Agility - a British-led consortium comprising of John Laing, Hitachi and Barclays - will make a significant inward investment as part of this contract. They will build a new train manufacturing plant in the UK, as well as depots in Bristol, Reading, Doncaster, Leeds and west London with upgrades to existing depots throughout Great Britain. This will create or safeguard some 12,500 manufacturing jobs in these regions.
Geoff Hoon also announced that the Department is in advanced negotiations with National Express East Anglia to provide 120 new carriages for the Stansted Express service from London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport. The preferred bidder for this order is Bombardier Transportation, who plan to build them in Derby and therefore safeguard jobs there.
Geoff Hoon said: "This announcement demonstrates that this Government is prepared to invest, even in difficult economic times, by improving our national infrastructure. It is good news for the British Economy that over 12,500 jobs will be created and safeguarded; good news for the regions that the Government is supporting significant inward investment; and good news for passengers that we are taking the steps necessary to improve their rail journeys."
The first of the new trains will enter service on the East Coast mainline in 2013. Trains will enter full service from 2015, linking London with Cambridge, Leeds, Hull, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh and linking London with the Thames Valley, Bristol and South Wales.
Government rail experts working alongside the rail industry have created a new specification for these trains that will offer more seats, more reliable services and reduced journey times.
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2011
Green Light For New Trains Gives Boost
Scotland, Wales, northern and south west England are to get a fleet of new trains and more reliable rail links to London, creating thousands of jobs, boosting the economy and improving services for passengers, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said. He gave the go-ahead for the £4.
Green Light For New Trains Gives Boost
Scotland, Wales, northern and south west England are to get a fleet of new trains and more reliable rail links to London, creating thousands of jobs, boosting the economy and improving services for passengers, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said. He gave the go-ahead for the £4.
28 August 2012
Virgin Trains To Continue Court Proceedings
Virgin Trains Limited will commence Court proceedings in respect of West Coast Main Line franchise award. The firm said in a statement: "Virgin Trains Limited (VTL) has today commenced Court proceedings in respect of the decision to award the West Coast Main Line franchise to FirstGroup.
Virgin Trains To Continue Court Proceedings
Virgin Trains Limited will commence Court proceedings in respect of West Coast Main Line franchise award. The firm said in a statement: "Virgin Trains Limited (VTL) has today commenced Court proceedings in respect of the decision to award the West Coast Main Line franchise to FirstGroup.
28 November 2007
Rail Price Rises Defended
Commuters are facing a New Year price increase that will see rail fares rise by an average of nearly 5%. However, some commuters in the South East are being forced to pay 14.
Rail Price Rises Defended
Commuters are facing a New Year price increase that will see rail fares rise by an average of nearly 5%. However, some commuters in the South East are being forced to pay 14.
01 October 2003
Ladbrooke Grove train crash case to go ahead
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun its prosecution of Thames Trains Limited for alleged breaches of health and safety law in connection with the Ladbroke Grove rail collision. HSE made public its intention to prosecute both Thames Trains Limited and Railtrack PLC (now Network Rail) in March 2002.
Ladbrooke Grove train crash case to go ahead
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has begun its prosecution of Thames Trains Limited for alleged breaches of health and safety law in connection with the Ladbroke Grove rail collision. HSE made public its intention to prosecute both Thames Trains Limited and Railtrack PLC (now Network Rail) in March 2002.
05 March 2009
Delivery Of New Trains To Be Speeded Up By New Company
Passengers on some of the country's busiest rail lines could see improvements arrive more quickly after Transport Minister Andrew Adonis announced that his Department had set up a new company to oversee the procurement of 202 new diesel train carriages.
Delivery Of New Trains To Be Speeded Up By New Company
Passengers on some of the country's busiest rail lines could see improvements arrive more quickly after Transport Minister Andrew Adonis announced that his Department had set up a new company to oversee the procurement of 202 new diesel train carriages.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
