HS2 on track for double-decker trains

Double-deck trains could be coming to Britain for the first time under plans by engineering giant Alstom.

The innovative design is part of the French firm's bid to build 160 trains for the controversial HS2 network that would run between London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester as part of a lucrative £7.5 billion contract.

The company says they would be no taller than a standard single deck train and could increase the number of seats on the 650ft trains by 40 per cent to 700.

It says the double-deck design offers business class travel at economy class prices.

[comments_cta]

Alstom UK manager Henrik Anderberg said: "The design means double-decker trains are no higher than a standard single deck one.

"However, because the trains that will run on HS2 meet with European standards and are 6.7 inches wider, we can do so much more with the space.

The trains will run at 225mph with services set to open for business in 2026.

Alstom double-deckers already operate in Spain, France and Germany.

The firm says the construction cost would be 'marginally higher' than for a standard train. And, as previously revealed by the Express & Star, the company has ambitions to build them in Britain – possibly the Midlands.

The firm recently opened a training academy in Widnes, in Cheshire. The rail boss estimated that about 600 UK jobs would be created at Alstom if it won the contract, with more in the supply chain.

The contract is expected to be awarded in 2019.