High-tech ‘bi-mode’ trains to arrive in Hull for the first time with more than 150 extra seats

Special bi-mode trains that can work on diesel or electric power are to arrive in Hull for the first time. The TransPennine Express Nova 1 trains also have more than 150 extra seats compared to current trains travelling on the route.

From December, customers in Hull can use the Nova 1 fleet – 19 five-carriage trains with 161 extra seats. Previously, they only ran between Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Scarborough and Edinburgh.

The change comes as train operators across the UK switch to a new timetable on Sunday, December 15. TPE customers will see hundreds more seats on trains and services across the Pennines running every 15 minutes from this December, as the operator restores services while continuing to run a timetable customers can depend on.

Four express trains an hour will run between Manchester Victoria and Leeds, once again providing fast, frequent and reliable trains – as well as increased services across TPE’s network. Across the TPE network, there will be an increase in seats for customers of 12% – around 1300 more every day.

Other major changes include:

• TPE will stop at Eaglescliffe for the first time, providing an hourly service.
• Chester-le-Street will now receive hourly calls

The majority of services operating between Liverpool and Cleethorpes will be six-carriage trains, increasing the number of seats. This service also stops at Sheffield, Doncaster and Manchester. Customers in Castleford, Normanton and Wakefield will also benefit from a new hourly service, seven days a week connecting them to Manchester and York as well as other stations along this route

More than 40 trains will run between Liverpool and Manchester. Services will increase to two trains every hour between Liverpool and Manchester Victoria, providing express journeys with minimal stops, calling only at Newton-le-Willows or Lea Green alternately.

Chris Jackson, Managing Director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re pleased to be returning to our more historic timetable, bringing back and adding new services and additional seats which will make a real difference for our customers. We have seen great achievements across TPE in the past 12 months in particular, with cancellations reduced by 70% and, thanks to our customers old and new having confidence to travel with us, we have become the second fastest growing train company in the UK.

“We urge customers to check before they travel in case there are any changes to their services.”

For more information about individual services, customers should use the ‘Check My Timetable’ feature on TPE’s website. For more information about the new timetable, visit .