TransPennine Express and Angel Trains have agreed an order with Hitachi for 19 new bi-mode trains ahead of the launch of the new franchise tomorrow.

Announcing the contract award, TransPennine said the majority of the 95 carriages will be built at Hitachi’s Newton Aycliffe site in County Durham.

The new trains will be delivered on to the TransPennine route by December 2019.

As well as supplying the new vehicles, Hitachi will maintain and service the fleet from Doncaster Carr and Craigentinny.

The new five-car trains are based on Hitachi’s AT300 platform – the same model Hitachi is supplying for the East Coast Main Line and Great Western Main Line for the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).

TransPennine Express managing director designate Leo Goodwin said: “The signing of this contract is the first major step for the new franchise.

“These brand new state of the art Hitachi trains will lead to significant improvements in seating, capacity and provide a more reliable and efficient service.”

TransPennine Express said it will introduce 44 new trains during the course of the new franchise deal and that it expects to finalise an order for the extra 25 soon.