Issued on 11th September 2026
The Rail Forum welcomes today’s announcement that new battery-electric trains for the North are to be built by Alstom in Derby.
Today’s decision by TransPennine Express will secure more than 6000 UK supply chain jobs as well as more than 350 specialist rolling stock designers, engineers and future apprenticeships at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane works.
We also welcome the government’s commitment to reindusrialisation and a renewed focus on key sector capabilities.
The Rail Forum and our members look forward to working with Great British Railways to ensure that we can continue to support best value delivery to all our passenger and freight customers.