Intercity Express Programme

The Intercity Express Programme is an initiative of the United Kingdom’s Department for Transport (DfT) to procure a fleet of next-generation long-distance trains to replace the InterCity 125 and InterCity 225 fleets. The programme is an expanded version of the previous ‘HST2’ scheme.

Rationale

The DfT states that their involvement in a future fleet specification and acquisition is necessary for several reasons. Though Britain’s rail operators are privatised, their franchises seldom last for more than 12 years; a train, on the other hand, may remain in service for more than 30 years. It is therefore entirely unprofitable for the franchise operator to replace the fleet, leaving the only other option to hire newly acquired trains from third parties, which can prove extremely expensive. The DfT also states that it can, and has, brought train operators together with a ‘whole system, whole life’ perspective to decide on a specification that will be more flexible with regards to future routes and fleet transfers as well as more environmentally aware.

The DfT expects that over the course of its life the programme will prove less expensive than the recent smaller-scale introductions of the Pendolino and Adelante trains. The aim of the programme is to introduce between 500 and 2000 carriages over the course of a 30-year programme with either one supplier or a consortium.

Plans

Under current plans, the trains will be available in electric, ‘self-powered’ (e.g. diesel) and dual-mode versions. [cite web|url=http://www.unife.org/unifex.aspx?NewsId=2746&CatId=7|title=Bombardier and Siemens join forces for Intercity Express Programme BID|date=21 June 2007|publisher=UNIFE Express] According to the DfT’s specifications, it is ‘essential’ that the trains be capable of speeds of at least 125 mph, and ‘desirable’ that they be capable of higher speeds such as 140/155mph when under electric power, in order to allow for future line upgrades. [cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepinvitationtotender/ieptraintechnicalspecifi.pdf|title=Train Technical Specification (TTS) for the Intercity Express Programme|date=16 November 2007|publisher=Department for Transport|format=PDF]

As part of their franchise commitments, National Express East Coast are to introduce the first ‘pre-series’ trains from the Intercity Express Programme on the East Coast Main Line in 2012. [cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/passenger/franchises/icecf1/nxecawardedcontract|title=National Express awarded contract for growth on InterCity East Coast|date=14 August 2007|publisher=Department for Transport]

On 16 November 2007 the Department for Transport issued its Invitation to Tender for the Intercity Express programme to three consortiums which have been short-listed to bid for the project: [cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepshortlist|title=Department for Transport announces shortlist for Intercity Express Programme|date=16 August 2007|publisher=Department for Transport]
*Alstom-Barclays Rail Group
*Express Rail Alliance (a consortium between train-builders Bombardier and Siemens with financial support from Angel Trains and Babcock & Brown)
*Hitachi Europe

In late 2007, Network Rail suggested that the DfT should abandon the diesel version of the Intercity Express for cost reasons. They argue that because of new emissions regulations and the minimal demand for diesel-powered high-speed trains abroad, it would be cheaper to electrify the lines on which the IEP would operate (the Great Western and Midland main lines, and infill electrification on the Cross Country Route) than to buy new diesel trains. [cite news|title=Network rail costings make diesel Intercity Express ‘redundant’|publisher=Transport Times|date=December 2007|page=7]

On 12 February 2008, Alstom announced that they had withdrawn from the bidding process, preferring to focus on needs that can be met with existing technology. [cite web|url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news_view/article/2008/02/8168/alstom_withdraws_from_iep.html|title=Alstom withdraws from IEP|date=2008-02-12|publisher=Railway Gazette International] On 26 June 2008, four days before the end of the bidding process, it was announced that their partner, Barclays, had re-entered the project by joining forces with Hitachi Europe to form Agility Trains Ltd. [cite web|url=http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/changetoiep|title=Change to IEP short listed bidders|date=2008-06-26|publisher=Department for Transport]

Timeline

*16th November 2007 - Government hands out Invitation to Tender
*Summer 2008 - Proposals to be received from bidders
*April 2009 - Contracts Signed [ [http://www.expressrailalliance.com/faqs-section Express Rail Alliance FAQs] ]
*2013 - Start of pre-series train running
*2014 - Fleet introduction

References

External links

* [http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/ Intercity Express Programme] "Department for Transport"
* [http://www.hitachi-rail.com/rail_now/hot_topics/2008/080701/index.html Hitachi Rail]
* [http://www.expressrailalliance.com/image-uploads/ Express Rail Alliance]