UK looks for HS2 Rail Network Train-Builder

The search for a company to take on the £2.75bn contract to build high speed trains for the HS2 rail network got underway on Friday. 

The Department for Transport said up to 60 trains, capable of speeds of about 225mph, were needed.

The contract, which will also involve maintaining the fleet, will be awarded in 2019.

The trains are for the first phase of the project, due to open in 2026 and run between London and Birmingham. 

Construction will begin later this year and it is expected to reduce rail times between Birmingham and London by 32 minutes.

A second Y-shaped phase of HS2 will open in two stages.

The line from Birmingham to Crewe will launch in 2027, with the remaining construction - which includes a spur taking HS2 to a new station at Manchester Airport - due to finish six years later.

There will be separate contracts in the future to supply trains for this phase.