THE first of a brand new fleet of First TransPennine Express electric trains have begun rolling through Oxenholme station.

Capable of reaching speads of 110mph, the new Siemens-built Class 350/4 trains will deliver an increase in capacity of more than 80 per cent on the route between Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central.

The new trains signify the successful completion of Network Rail’s phase one delivery of its £400 million North West electrification programme and investment of £60 million in new rolling stock.

Boasting a carbon footprint reduction of around 35 per cent compared to diesel engines, the trains mean passengers will now get one train per hour between Manchester and Scotland, with 15 services each way every day once timetable changes come into place in May.

There will also be 25 per cent more luggage space on board the new four car electric trains.

First TransPennine Express programme director Chris Nut-ton said: “This is the start of a major improvement programme which will bring great benefits to the North of England.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to provide a significant uplift in capacity and I am sure customers will appreciate the improved journey choice.

“We look forward to welcoming customers from Oxenholme.”

A spokesperson from Transport Scotland said: “These new Class 350 trains will provide significantly more capacity on the route between Manchester and Scotland and reflect the growing passenger demand for cross border rail services.”

A further nine electric trains will be introduced gradually on the route between Manchester and Scotland, with all ten new trains being operational by May.

To find out more about the trains visit www.tpexpress.co.uk/newtrains