First Hull Trains has agreed a new 10-year track access deal with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), confirming its future until December 2029.
FirstGroup said the new long-term deal would allow it to order new bi-mode trains, which its expects to enter service in 2020, to add to its existing fleet.
Will Dunnett, managing director of First Hull Trains, said: “The approval of a 10-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.
“The ORR’s approval of our track access until 2029 secures the long-term future of First Hull Trains, whilst at the same time safeguards and enhances the region’s rail connectivity to the capital.”
To the author: your second paragraph reads as if the Class 802 order will supplant, rather than replace the existing Class 180 fleet.
As the Class 802 are to be built for Hull Trains. The Class 180’s may end up with Grand Central (London KX-Bradford Xch & Halifax).