Direct Rail Services has announced that it has been awarded a contract to operate Ford Automotive rail services between Dagenham and Garston.

DRS will be working with transport specialist STVA UK to transport cars between the Ford factory in Dagenham to their rail terminal just outside Liverpool.

Carrying a mixture of double-deck and single-deck wagons made to transport cars and vans, each train will carry around 190 vehicles.

The new rail service will operate between six to eight times a week with potential for expansion for up to 10 services.

Whilst the terminals are non-electrified, the operator will use bi-mode Class 88s for the entire journey, with electric power being used for the majority of the journey.

What did the officials say?

Chris Connelly, DRS’ Chief Operating Officer, said:

“The introduction of this new rail service is an exciting addition to the DRS portfolio and reaffirms DRS’ ambition to introduce new business to complement our core nuclear mission.

“We look forward to working closely with STVA UK and implementing this new service which will mark an exciting start of our relationship.”

Simon Willard, STVA UK General Manager, added:

“We are delighted to be working with DRS and embarking on what we hope will be a long-term partnership.

“I would like to thank all of the DRS team for their hard work and commitment to the bid process and for their enthusiasm to work with us”.

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