Hull Trains has been granted a ten-year extension to its current track access agreement that will see it continue operations until 2029.
As a result of the Office of Rail and Road’s approval, the open-access operator can now press ahead with the purchase of bi-mode trains that can take full advantage of the electrified East Coast Main Line.
Owned by FirstGroup, Hull Trains has also pledged to invest £500,000 to enhance its current fleet of trains.
Steve Montgomery, FirstGroup’s rail division managing director, said the ten-year extension allowed it to ‘progress the plans that we have for new rolling stock and investment in the line,’ adding that it allowed Hull to ‘play its part as a key region in the government’s Northern Powerhouse proposals’.
Will Dunnett, managing director of Hull Trains, said the latest deal would introduce new trains and more seats for its passengers. ‘The approval of a ten year track access enables us to deliver our longer term plans, including new bi-mode trains that will be faster than those we operate today.
‘We will also be able to increase our fleet to five units with more seats on each, meaning a 50 per cent increase in the number of seats for passengers.
Full details of the new bi-mode trains will be available later in the year and it is anticipated that they will enter service in 2020.
