Rail Engineer – July 2019

(Ann) #1
The original list was
Alstom, Bombardier, Hitachi,
Siemens and Talgo. When
Bombardier and Hitachi
decided to make a joint bid,
CAF was added to the list to
maintain five bidders.
The first phase, for at least 54
trains to run on both HS2 and
the ‘classic’ network, is likely
to be ordered in Spring 2020
with a contract value of around
£2.75 billion.
Although graphics of the
new designs have been
released, technical details
have been withheld, but the
field includes a range of new
designs and adapted existing
platforms.

Alstom
A new design, although based
on existing technology, Alstom’s
UK managing director Nick
Crossfield commented: “Alstom’s
vision is to make HS2 trains a
timeless design classic, with a
passenger experience that is as
smooth, calm and spacious as it is
high-speed.”

Bombardier/Hitachi
This partnership has already
delivered the Frecciarossa (Red
Arrow) ETR1000 for Trenitalia

in 2015, which is the fastest yet
quietest in-service high-speed
train in Europe. Operating
at speeds up to 225 mph, it
has “transformed passenger
experience and connectivity
across Italy”.

CAF
CAF has stated that its offer
to HS2 is based on its Oaris
platform. CAF UK director
Richard Garner said: “The
Oaris platform uses the latest
technology to offer high-speed

Five organisations are bidding for a contract to design, manufacture and
maintain the trains for the first phase of HS2, as Rail Engineer reported in
issues 172 and 173 (March and April 2019).

The shape of things to come


Alstom.

Bombardier/Hitachi.

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