Decision on ten new Derby-built Elizabeth Line trains due by end of May
A much-needed order for additional trains for the Elizabeth Line could be placed with Alstom by the end of May, with the trains built at Derby Litchurch Lane.
Concern for the future of the site had been raised after the final Class 730 was completed, meaning that the production lines were demobilised. This put jobs at risk with discussions held between the train manufacturer and Government to try and secure a future.
An Alstom spokesperson confirmed to Rail Express that “intense discussions” were ongoing and that a decision would be made no later than the end of May.
Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper has previously said that any deal must go through the correct legal processes and called the lack of orders a “short-term” shortage. Having completed orders for 2651 Aventra vehicles there was, as this issue of Rail Express went to press, no new train construction before 2026 when the fleet of HS2 trains will start to take shape.
However, a need for additional trains for the Elizabeth Line has been identified. Elizabeth Line director Howard Smith told RE last April that at least five additional Class 345s were required to meet demand that will be created by the decision to terminate HS2 trains at Old Oak Common when they first start running between 2029 and 2033, with passengers diverted on to other routes to reach the centre of London.
The continued success of the new cross-London railway has seen the demand for capacity on its other routes and it now appears that the fleet of 70 nine-car trains could be boosted by a further 10 electric multiple units.
An Alstom spokesperson told RE on May 7: “We are now in a period of intense discussions with the Government and Transport for London about a potential train order for the Elizabeth Line given the levels of passenger demand. This could help secure the future of the Litchurch Lane site. The parties have agreed to conclude discussions as soon as possible and no later than the end of May. We will be making no further comment at this time.”
Mr Harper, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “This Government is committed to supporting train manufacturing in our country.” He also published a letter he had written to Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh, in which he claimed she had been making a number of inaccurate statements and accused the opposition of “political point scoring.”
In his letter, dated April 19, he wrote: “My department has held intensive discussions with the company over several months to explore options to enable it to maintain a sustainable “right size” capacity at Litchurch Lane, in line with the company’s wider plans. This has not been an easy process, as we have had to assess all options thoroughly to confirm a clear market need for the trains, to comply with the law, and to ensure value for money for the passenger and taxpayer.” He confirmed he had held talks with senior Alstom officials.
Freight companies support latest Martin’s House Hospice tours
THE latest charity charters to raise funds for the Martin’s House Hospice ran on May 3 and 4, featuring an array of freight traction provided by DB Cargo UK, Freightliner and GB Railfreight.
Operated by GBRf and promoted by the Branch Line Society, the trains used London Underground’s 4-TC unit as hauled stock with 71A Loco Group’s preserved main line-certified No. D6515 (33012) Lt Jenny Lewis RN used on both days.
The first charter, on May 3, was the ‘Return of the Shedi’, which saw the ‘33’ haul the 1Z32 09.21 Eastleigh-Hinksey Reception Lines. From there, DB Nos. 66114 and 66205 were added to the train to form the 1Z33 12.24 to Gloucester. There, the ‘66s’ were removed and replaced by Freightliner No. 59005 , which top-and-tailed the 1Z34 14.43 to Cardiff Central. The 1Z35 17.35 to Westbury featured the ‘59’ leading to Bristol Parkway where it was joined by FL No. 66541. The Type 5s ran to Westbury where they were removed and the charter continued as the 1Z36 20.42 to
