Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Bi-mode Trains

Thursday 16 May 2024 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Monthly meetings are held with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to discuss the introduction of bi-mode trains.
  • The new bi-mode Class 810 Aurora trains will be faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly.
  • These trains will offer 19% more seats and improved luggage space.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Philip Hollobone Con
Transport
Context

Discussions about the introduction of bi-mode trains are ongoing, with monthly meetings between Network Rail, East Midlands Railway, and government officials.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with Network Rail on the timeline for introducing bi-mode trains on the midland main line?

Answer from Huw Merriman

A monthly meeting is held with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway to discuss the introduction of the new bi-mode trains. Those meetings include notification of the latest delivery timescales that Hitachi has provided to the operator, and an update on mobilisation plans and related infrastructure upgrades. The aim is for the new trains to be phased into passenger service throughout 2025.

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Q2 Philip Hollobone Con
Transport
Context

The phased introduction of the bi-mode Class 810 Aurora trains is scheduled for next year, prompting questions about their performance and passenger amenities.

Question

He welcomed the phased introduction of the bi-mode Class 810 Aurora trains on the midland main line through Kettering next year. Can my hon. Friend confirm that these new trains will be faster, quieter, more environmentally friendly, have more seats and luggage space, and better mobile phone signal reception?

Answer from Huw Merriman

I can confirm to my hon. Friend that these fantastic new trains will be not only faster but quieter and more environmentally friendly, as they will be able to take advantage of the increasing extent of electrification that we are delivering on the midland main line. They will have 19% more seats per five-car train, and they are designed for greater comfort and more luggage space. Bearing in mind that my hon. Friend is one of the hardest-working MPs for his constituents, he and they will be delighted that there will be enhanced wi-fi and mobile phone reception, making his productivity even greater.

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