2 minute read - 10th November 2023
CAF to assemble new LNER trains in Newport
CAF has been awarded a contract by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) to supply a fleet of tri-mode intercity trains to operate in the UK. Based on CAF’s Civity platform, the 10 state-of-the-art 10-car trains will enter passenger service on the LNER-operated East Coast Main Line (ECML).
The new tri-mode fleet will be assembled at CAF’s Newport manufacturing facility in South Wales. The contract also includes an eight-year maintenance services agreement with an option to extend.
On electrified routes, the trains will use pantographs to draw power from overhead lines, and on sections of the route which are not electrified, will use either a combination of battery and diesel power modes, or battery-only mode. Environmental benefits will be realised during the arrival and departure from stations when in battery mode, eliminating emissions, including harmful NOx, and significantly reducing noise pollution. The transition from electric to self-power mode and vice versa can be undertaken when the train is stationary or in motion. The battery can recharge in both electric and diesel mode.
CAF will assemble a new fleet of intercity trains at its Newport factory for LNER / Picture: CAF
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Richard Garner, CAF UK director, said: “Securing this high-profile contract is testament to CAF’s hard work and continues our successful track record in the UK market. The new CAF fleet of more sustainable and environmentally friendly tri-mode trains will reduce carbon emissions, noise and vibration pollution and optimise energy consumption while increasing service operation efficiency and performance on the ECML. The new contract will help secure CAF’s future in the UK and support the recruitment of additional employees and apprentices at both the Newport factory and in the North of England where the units will be maintained.”
David Horne, managing director at LNER, added: “Successfully delivering this new fleet is an integral part of LNER’s business plan. Our focus is ensuring we create a fleet that truly matches the needs of all our customers, with clear targets on setting new standards for comfort, accessibility, and exceptional customer service.”