The first of nine trains to be transformed in a £2 million programme takes to the rails on Friday 7 September 2007 for First TransPennine Express passengers
travelling between Hull, Selby and Manchester.

The Class 170 diesel trains are being given a complete refurbishment inside and a new distinctive external colour scheme.

New carpets, new seat covers, new toilets and extra luggage space are being fitted as part of the programme to transform the trains.

Previously used in the South West of England and in the Midlands, the 'new' fleet will be refitted to the same high standards as the fleet of Class 185 diesel trains used on First TransPennine Express services across the North.

Closed circuit television is being fitted throughout the trains and electric power sockets for laptop computers and mobile phones are being installed at every table.

Each two-car train will have 103 standard seats, eight first class seats, 13 tip-up or folding seats and space for two cycles. The trains can be coupled together to provide additional seating for passengers travelling at peak times.

Nick Donovan, engineering director of First TransPennine Express says:“These additional trains will look and feel the same as our new trains introduced in 2006 and provide passengers with an equally comfortable and reliable service.”

Refurbishment work is being undertaken by Transys Projects at Clacton depot in Essex and all nine trains are due to be completed by the end of the year. On-going maintenance of the trains will be carried out by Bombardier Transportation at Crofton, near Wakefield.

First TransPennine Express has acquired these additional trains to support the expansion of its network in December 2007 when the company will begin running services between Manchester and Glasgow and Edinburgh.

First TransPennine Express runs 14 trains a day from Hull to Manchester with a journey time of just under two hours.

The first newly-refurbished train will be at Hull Paragon station on Friday 7 September from 07.45 before departing as the 10.37 service to Manchester Piccadilly, calling at Selby at 11.08.