By Ben Jones

BIDDERS for the £2.75billion HS2 rolling stock contract unveiled their proposed train designs in June. 

Alstom, Bombardier/Hitachi, CAF, Siemens and Talgo have all submitted bids for the contract to build and maintain at least 54 trains for phase one of the £56bn project. 

The contract is expected to be awarded in 2020, with the first trains being ready for testing in 2023 and full service from 2026. 

Alstom is offering a ‘classic compatible’ variant of its ‘Avelia’ family, which is a development of its proven TGV and AGV high-speed trains. 

The French company is also keen to emphasise its UK credentials, built up over 20 years working with Class 390 trains on the West Coast Main Line. 

Alstom says: “Our vision is to make HS2 trains a timeless design classic, with a passenger experience that is as smooth, calm and spacious as it is high-speed.” 

Alstom’s Transport Technology Centre in Widnes is likely to play a role in the assembly and delivery of the trains if the company’s bid is successful. 

Seen by many as the frontrunner, the Bombardier/Hitachi bid benefits from supporting two UK factories in Derby and Newton Aycliffe. The joint venture’s ‘Great British’ train proposal promises to be “the most advanced, customer-oriented train ever to run in the UK”. 

Read more and view more images in the July 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!

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