DOZENS of new state-of-the-art trains will very soon take to the tracks to transport passengers from Carlisle to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester.

Operator TransPennine Express (TPE) say their fleet of ‘Nova’ trains will be more reliable, make journeys smoother, and add more seats for rail users in the county.

The new set of 44 trains - named Nova 1, 2 and 3 - were built by CAF and Hitachi and incorporate the same technology used on bullet trains across Asia.

Each train offers between 286-342 seats and five carriages.

Nova 1 and 2 trains will operate routes through the county, and will stop off at Oxenholme near Kendal, Penrith and Carlisle on cross-border services between Manchester Airport to Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland.

Each new train features high-quality seating and interiors with more luggage space, plug and USB charging points, free on-board wifi in both standard and first class and the entertainment system Exstream featuring the latest TV shows, news and films.

Leo Goodwin, managing director of TransPennine Express, said: “The name Nova reflects the positive changes that will truly transform rail travel for our customers, with an enhancement to customers experience on board and an increase in capacity of 80 per cent on all routes. Our vision at TPE is to take the north further and these new trains offer more seats, improved connectivity and a higher standard of comfort.”

Andrew Barr, Hitachi Rail’s Group CEO, said: “The new Nova 1 fleet will nearly double the number of seats available to passengers – up to a whopping 161 extra per train.

“These modern intercity trains – built incorporating bullet train technology – will make journeys across the North smoother and more reliable.

“Delivering the Hitachi fleet on time will allow passengers to have an early Christmas present, with trains that are proven to boost passenger satisfaction.”

Richard Garner, CAF UK director, said: “These high quality, high performance trains will provide TPE customers across the north of England and Scotland with a transformed onboard experience, making a real difference to this important and busy rail network.”

The fleet will be gradually introduced on services between Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Scotland over the coming weeks.