TransPennine Express’ bi-mode Nova 1 trains set to arrive in Hull for the first time as train operator reminds customers of timetable change

TransPennine Express (TPE) is reminding customers that a new timetable is set to come into effect on Sunday 15 December.

Customers travelling between Hull and Liverpool will be able to sit back and relax on TransPennine Express’ Nova 1 trains for the first time later this week.

Nova 1 is a fleet of 19 five-carriage trains with 161 extra seats compared to current trains travelling on this route.

The bi-mode trains can be operated using diesel or electric power. Previously, they only ran between Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Scarborough and Edinburgh.

TPE customers will see hundreds more seats on trains and services across the Pennines running every 15 minutes from this December, as the operator restores services while continuing to run a timetable customers can depend on.

Four express trains an hour will run between Manchester Victoria and Leeds, once again providing fast, frequent and reliable trains – as well as increased services across TPE’s network.

Across the TPE network, there will be an increase in seats for customers of 12 per cent – around 1300 more every day.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: "Hull City Council is delighted that TransPennine Express has forged this new hourly train link between the port cities of Hull and Liverpool that will help transform rail travel, with shorter journey times and more travel opportunities across the north. 

"Many of these services will be operated by modern bi-mode trains using a mix of diesel and electric power as they go from Hull to Liverpool, resulting in less carbon emissions and helping to combat climate change."

 Chris Jackson, managing director at TransPennine Express, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to introduce our new services for our customers in Hull.

“For the first time, our customers travelling between Hull and Liverpool will be able to sit back and relax on our Nova 1 trains.

“We have seen great achievements across TPE in the past 12 months in particular, with cancellations reduced by 70% and, thanks to our customers old and new having confidence to travel with us, we have become the second fastest growing train company in the UK.

“We urge customers to check before they travel in case there are any changes to their services.”