The Nova train fleets operated by TransPennine Express (TPE) have reached their fifth birthday in revenue-earning service.

Over the course of the last five years, both train fleets have improved rail services across the TransPennine network.

They also seen several enhancements to augment passenger comfort.

Notable improvements encompass Wi-Fi availability in both standard and first-class, increased legroom, more spacious tables, extra power outlets, bicycle storage facilities, and digital seat reservation systems.

The 19-strong Nova 1 fleet (802/2 class) was built by Hitachi. These trains are bi-mode electric and diesel units, with one unit being converted to run as a tri-mode unit which can run off battery power.

These trains are normally seen running on services between Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.

Each train is composed of 5 coaches and has 342 seats. When new, they had an increased 161 seating capacity over the trains they replaced. Since their service began, they have carried over 28 million passengers.

The Nova 2 fleet (397 class) is currently maintained by Alstom, but they were originally built by CAF. These trains are fully electric and operate on Manchester Airport, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Edinburgh services.

This fleet of 12 trains also consists of five coaches with a seating capacity of 286. Since their operating career began, they have carried 14 million passengers.

These trains are currently trailing an AI-powered speech-to-text announcement system, which will aid passengers with hearing impairments. Once rolled out, this onboard announcement system will be the first of its kind in Britain.

Both fleets have also helped TPE reduce their carbon emissions and noise levels and as the trains now operate over an extra 70 miles of electrified lines across the north of the country with this set to expand, thanks to infrastructure projects, the trains continue serving passengers across vital routes, with their crucial upgrades to rail travel.

“It’s a special day to mark the five-year anniversary of our Nova fleet. These trains have played a pivotal role in transforming the level of service we can provide across the North and Scotland.

Our expanded fleet of high-speed trains provide greater seating capacity, improved connectivity, and a higher standard of onboard experience. The Nova fleet continues to support our mission to create a greener, better-connected network.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects & TRU Director at TPE