The first of five new state-of-the-art trains has arrived at Hull’s Paragon Interchange.
Hull Trains’ £60 million Paragon fleet will transform train travel between Hull and London, according to the firm.
The new high-speed trains, built by Hitachi Rail, will provide 5,500 extra seats a week with greater reliability and a quieter, smoother ride.
The fleet, launched following months of driver training, is expected to be operational by early 2020.
Councillor Daren Hale, Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for economic investment, said: “This is a fantastic investment in the city and the new Hull Trains stock will be a travelling advertisement for the city of Hull.”
From left, Steve Montgomery managing director of First Rail, Louise Cheeseman managing director of Hull Trains, Jim Brewin, project director at Hitachi, and Matt Jukes, chief executive of Hull City Council.
Hull Trains operates 92 services between Hull and London every week.
More than two-thirds of the journey between Hull and the capital will be operated using environmentally friendly electric power.
The electric trains use bi-mode technology, meaning they have the means to move independently of electrification infrastructure.
The fleet will include free Wi-Fi, plug and USB sockets throughout, a new at-seat trolley service and a greater choice of hot and cold food.
Hull Trains managing director Louise Cheeseman said: “We have made a significant investment in these hi-tech trains, which will completely overhaul the current service as our customers know it.
“Not only will these trains give a smoother ride, they will be a lot more reliable than our existing trains.
“More people will be able to travel, thanks to the 22 per cent additional capacity.”
