HS2 Train Order Under Review Following Major Project Specification Changes

HS2 Ltd has entered early-stage discussions with Hitachi Rail and Alstom over potential changes to its high-speed train order following recent alterations to the wider HS2 programme.

The talks come after Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that HS2 trains will operate at lower maximum speeds than originally planned and that the project will no longer include Automatic Train Operation (ATO), as part of wider efforts to reduce costs across the scheme.

Original HS2 specification being reassessed

The current rolling stock contract, awarded in 2021 to the Hitachi-Alstom High Speed joint venture, is valued at approximately £2bn and covers the delivery of 54 eight-carriage, 200-metre-long trains.

The order was originally designed around HS2’s full Y-shaped network, including the now-cancelled Birmingham-to-Manchester extension.

Under the initial plans, two trainsets would operate together as 16-carriage formations on the dedicated high-speed network. However, the cancellation of Phase 2 has created new operational constraints because stations such as Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe cannot accommodate trains of that length on conventional routes.

As a result, both HS2 Ltd and the Department for Transport are now reviewing whether the existing rolling stock specification remains appropriate for the revised railway.

Lower operating speeds and removal of automation

Last week’s announcement confirmed that HS2 services will operate at a maximum speed of 320kph rather than the originally proposed 360kph.

The government also confirmed that Automatic Train Operation technology — previously planned to support operations on the high-speed network — will no longer form part of the project.

The changes are understood to have prompted fresh discussions around train design, operational flexibility and compatibility with the wider conventional rail network.

Capacity concerns remain central

During a recent Transport Select Committee hearing, Department for Transport director general for major rail projects Dean Creamer acknowledged concerns around future capacity and the need for trains capable of operating effectively on both high-speed and conventional routes.

He said the government was focused on developing a solution that works across the wider rail network while ensuring overall passenger capacity is not reduced.

HS2 chief executive Mark Wild also confirmed to the committee that the rolling stock contract is being “actively managed” and must align with the evolving long-term railway strategy following the ongoing HS2 reset.

Hitachi and Alstom assessing implications

A spokesperson for Hitachi-Alstom High Speed said the joint venture is working constructively with HS2 Ltd to assess the implications of the revised project requirements.

The consortium stated that it had delivered a design based on the original specification and is now evaluating how proposed changes could affect costs, programme schedules and train performance.

Future decisions expected after HS2 reset review

No timetable has yet been confirmed for any revised rolling stock agreement or amended train order.

However, further clarity may emerge later this year when HS2 Ltd is expected to publish a new baseline delivery schedule as part of the wider project reset being led by Mark Wild.