# UK rail fleet modernization and procurement

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uk-rail-fleet-modernization-and-procurement
> Updated: 2026-09-10T21:14:58.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

In late August 2026, ScotRail advanced its procurement process for a new suburban train fleet, moving to the Invitation to Negotiate stage. The project seeks to replace aging diesel models with at least 69 electric and battery-electric trains, with options for more. Five manufacturers, including Alstom, Hitachi, and Siemens, were shortlisted for the contract, which covers design, manufacture, and long-term support. The fleet is expected to enter service in the early 2030s.

By September 2026, Alstom secured a £1 billion contract to provide 29 battery-electric Adessia Stream trains for TransPennine Express in northern England. Funded by Rock Rail, this project aims to reduce journey times and increase capacity on the Transpennine Route by 30% by the mid-2030s. These trains are intended to be the first of their kind for long-distance mainline services in the UK, capable of emission-free travel on non-electrified sections.

## Claims

- The investment will support more than 350 local jobs and nearly 6,000 jobs across the UK supply chain. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The UK government is investing £1 billion into 29 new battery-electric trains. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Adessia Stream trains are scheduled for production starting in 2028, with service entry expected by the end of 2034. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- New trains will reduce travel times by up to 10 minutes between Manchester and Leeds and up to 14 minutes between Manchester and York. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Capacity across the Pennines could increase by 30% by the mid-2030s. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The TransPennine Express fleet will be manufactured at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane facility in Derby. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Alstom secures £1bn deal for new battery-electric train fleet

TransPennine Express and Alstom have announced a £1 billion deal for 29 new battery-electric trains to serve northern England, aiming to increase capacity and reduce journey times by 2034.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-announces-1-billion-investment-in-new-electric-trains

### 2026-08-31: ScotRail shortlists manufacturers for new suburban train fleet

ScotRail has shortlisted five manufacturers—Alstom, CAF, Hitachi, Siemens, and Stadler—to provide at least 69 new electric and battery-electric trains for Scotland’s suburban rail network by the early 2030s.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/scotrail-shortlists-manufacturers-for-new-suburban-train-fleet

---
Cite as: UK rail fleet modernization and procurement. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uk-rail-fleet-modernization-and-procurement