Desiro order officially announced

摘要

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers announced on February 29 that the order for 20 four-car Desiro EMUs for London Midland and First TransPennine Express had been signed with Siemens (TCB1408 p6). Slightly over the 'minimum' of 18 contemplated when Siemens was selected as preferred bidder, the 20 trains will be procured by Angel Trains, with DfT providing £41 m for leasing and operating costs until the end of the two franchises.'Increasing capacity on some of the busiest routes in the country is a key part of the major programme of rail capacity expansion we have promised to deliver', said Villiers.