Main Picture Courtesy of Stadler – Class 745 one of 191 Trains Supplied in 2022 / 2023
Enquiries for new trains are poised to lead to a significant number of opportunities for our exhibitors and visitors.
The railway rolling stock market is set to increase after a number of years of limited activity for the supply chain.
Train operators are enquiring, ordering and receiving new rolling stock which in turn leads to cascades, re-branding and refurbishment of displaced rolling stock.
The future is looking bright for our exhibitors and visitors as we move closer to the RSN 2024 show date of 4th July – Derby.
We take a quick look out of the window at new investment in rolling stock in the short and medium term……
Scotrail has a plan for circa 675 carriages that is supported by Holyrood’s de carbonisation strategy. These are expected to be divided into three fleets: Suburban, inter-city and rural.
Diesel power as the sole source of traction is expected to be limited with the suburban fleet being a mixture of Electric Multiple Units and Battery Electric Multiple Units.
The first trains are planned for delivery between 2027 and 2030 and they will be part of the suburban fleet. The final tranche will be delivered by 2035.
TransPennine Express are to engage with manufacturers on options for up to 29 five-car trainsets initially, with the plan focussing on leaner/greener trains, electrification aimed at replacing the existing diesel fleet.
Order placement is scheduled for July 2025, with deliveries in the window of 2028 to 2030.
The current Siemens Built Class 185 DMUs may be re deployed or cascaded being fully or partially replaced by the new fleets.
Iarnród Éireann is progressing two major fleet orders under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030, part of Project Ireland 2040. 41 additional Class 22000 carriages from Mitsui and Hyundai Rotem. The first of the new railcars have entered service on the Commuter and Intercity network in February 2024, with the remaining new railcars due to enter service in the months to follow.
In addition the Dart + Programme is to see 19 x 5 car trains. begin to enter passenger service from mid-2025 onwards swiftly followed by 18 x 5 car trains entering passenger service from 2026 onwards. The contract with Alstom allows for up to 750 carriages in total to be called off over a 10 year period.
Transport for London (Trams) is to replace some of the longest serving trams in its fleet with procurement commencing in 2024 the delivery programme should reasonably be expected to see service introduction in 2028 / 2029. Plans include for 24 new trams and an option for a further 16 new trams.
Northern Railway is progressing enquires for 450 new trains under a commercial framework arrangement, allowing the new trains to be called off progressively in several batches to replace its aging fleet. The framework will also allow for technical and spares support. The tender notice suggests that for each phase that the trains will be procured by an owning party and then lease them back from the owner. In common with many new train orders the trains are expected to be multi mode or to be able to later change to electric or battery electric.
CrossCountry are supplementing their Voyager Fleet and planning a wide ranging fleet refurbishment of the balance of their fleet.
Southeastern published details as long ago as Nov 22 for between 350 and 570 carriages, with an option for up to 70 additional carriages. The ambitious dates for delivery suggests the full fleet should be in service Oct 2027.
LNER are expecting a fleet of new trains, that have battery power, electricity and diesel traction as tri mode units to be introduced to the East Coast Main Line.
The units which are 10 carriages rakes will be built by CAF.
TFL (Underground) is expecting a total of 94 new trains for the Piccadilly Line to arrive from 2025 built by Siemens Mobility. The plan is expected to increase the passenger carrying capacity of the line by 23% at peak times. Focus then changes to the Bakerloo Line for which TFL hopes will be the next to benefit from new trains.
DLR is also seeing their new trains delivered with the full fleet expected to be in operation early in 2026.
Register now to visit the UK's Largest Rolling Stock Event in 2024
RSN is a very popular show bringing in the right footfall and providing opportunities for all companies operational in the Rolling Stock sector.
The Rail show features many multi sector transport companies active in Defence, Aerospace, Maritime and Coach and Bus.
With its location in the heart of the UK Rail Industry the show is easy to get to. There is no admission fee and parking is free to all visitors and exhibitors.