Home > On Board > New Trains New Trains March 14 2006 marked the beginning of a new and exciting journey for First TransPennine Express. The first of the new Pennine Class 185 trains went into passenger service and formed the 0621 Manchester Piccadilly to Hull service.
Pennine Class 185 successfully completes its inaugural journey to Hull
The Pennine Class 185
It was the very first opportunity for passengers to travel aboard the first of a fleet of new trains being built for the First TransPennine Express network.
The fleet of 51 new 100mph trains, built by Siemens Transportation Systems, represents a £250 million investment in rail travel for the north of England.
New trains were delivered to the UK in a rolling programme throughout 2006 and First TransPennine Express had the full fleet in passenger service at the end of January 2007.
The Pennine Class 185 is the first diesel version of the proven Siemens Desiro electric train design and the trains have air conditioning, intercity train quality seating, including a first class section, on-board security cameras and easier access for disabled people.
There is space for two wheelchairs and a wheelchair accessible toilet. A new GPS communication based information system will keep passengers up to date throughout their journey. Equipped with three Cummins diesel engines, the trains have excellent hill-climbing abilities and much improved reliability. The trains will run in three and six-car formations.
