Rail users back £1bn Transpennine train plan

Railway passengers have said a £1bn investment in new battery-electric trains is needed to improve journeys across the TransPennine network.

Plans for 29 new trains have been unveiled as part of the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU), with the fleet expected to provide more seats for passengers travelling across the North.

The trains are expected to become Britain's first mainline battery-electric fleet and form part of wider TRU improvements including an electrified railway between Manchester and York, additional services and upgraded stations.

TRU said the changes would mean "thousands of passengers will benefit from faster, more frequent trains with more seats".

Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express, said: "Our customers will benefit from more seats and better accessibility, including level boarding.

"Britain has a proud railway heritage, and this project puts the UK at the forefront of the next generation of cleaner rail technology."

Hannah Stevenson, from Manchester, said she travels to Leeds twice a month to visit her parents, but often chooses to drive rather than take the train.

"It is just so crowded and you can't do any work on the train."

"There are no seats sometimes.

"The trains are often delayed and they're just over capacity.

"It can't be relied on.

"The prices are too high for it to warrant the experience that you get."

Stevenson said the investment was needed to improve connections across the North.

"It needs investment to connect the powerhouses in the north," she said.

But regular passenger Samuel Lolenga said the journey was generally not too bad outside rush hour.

"To travel from Manchester to Leeds isn't too bad, depending on the time that you're going," he said.

"Sometimes it is so packed you've got to be stood up - and obviously that isn't ideal.

"But apart from that, it tends to be pretty good, I think."

Alex Robertson, Chief Executive of independent watchdog Transport Focus, said the investment would improve reliability.

"Passengers travelling across the North will welcome investment in newer trains that promise more reliable journeys, extra seats, improved accessibility, and better onboard facilities," Robertson said.

"The key test will be whether these plans deliver the punctual, dependable service that passengers need and expect every day, and whether the benefits are felt by the people who rely on the railway across the region."

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