HS2: UK's fastest trains to be built in County Durham
There will also be factories in Crewe and Derby
Last updated 9th Dec 2021
It has been revealed that HS2 trains are going to be built in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.
2,500 jobs will be created across the UK, with factories in Derby and Crewe as well.
HS2 has signed a £2 billion contract with manufacturers Hitachi and Alstom to build the fastest trains ever produced in the UK.
HS2: What is to be expected?
The first train should roll off the production line around 2027, and, following rigorous testing, its first passengers could be carried between two and six years later.
Each train will be around 200m (656ft) long, with the option to couple two units together to create a 400m (1,312ft) long train with up to 1,100 seats.
The trains will be able to run on the new HS2 network as well as existing lines, and will halve many journey times between major cities.
'Today is a massive day for HS2'
HS2 chief executive Mark Thurston said: "Today is a massive day for HS2".
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also stated this a "landmark moment":
Mark Thurston added:
"The trains that will be built in Derby, Newton Aycliffe and Crewe will transform rail travel - offering passengers unparalleled levels of reliability, speed and comfort, and help in the fight to remove carbon from our transport system.
"I'd like to congratulate Alstom and Hitachi and we look forward to working with them to bring these exciting new trains to passengers across the UK."