Transport UK report marks successful first year of trading

Transport UK (TUK) has marked its first year of trading by publishing its “Year in Rail report”.

TUK was founded after a management buyout in 2022 from Abellio who decided to retreat from the UK market. Subsequently, it took control of many of the UK’s train operating companies, including West Midlands Trains, East Midlands Railway, Merseyrail and Greater Anglia. The report has shown the progress the company is making on its £2.5 billion investment programme which is on schedule to be completed by the end of 2025.

This has included Merseyrail’s introduction of Class 777 fleet of mainline battery-powered trains. The trains which are replacing the iconic 507s are the UK’s first battery-operated trains but have been beset by issues since their inception earlier this year. However, Merseyrail has seen reliability improve recently and announced its final phase of the trains roll-out to be happening this month.

TUK is also advancing in its efforts to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.

Dominic Booth, CEO of Transport UK, commented: “Reflecting on the first year of Transport UK’s success, we are incredibly proud of all that the team has achieved. We are driving forward the green energy revolution to improve public transport.”

Booth can point to the company’s investment in East Midland Railways (EMR) class 810 Aurora’s which are being built by Hitachi Rail. Whilst these have being significantly delayed, they will be entering service in 2025. In the meantime, though, EMR has completed its £35 million Etches Park Depot in Derby.

As well as rolling stock investment for both Merseyrail and EMR, West Midalnds Trains is also in the middle of a £700 million roll-out of class 730 "Aventra’s" which have been built at Alstom’s Litchfield Lane facility in Derby and began entering service in February. It is also pursuing plans to redevelop its Bletchley depot.

Praising his team for their skill during the transition, Booth added: “Our dedicated team of industry experts has unparalleled skill and experience in the sector. This will be crucial to shaping integrated public transport in the years to come as we continue our journey to create a sustainable, efficient and inclusive transport network.”

TUK's efforts have, as well as improve its sustainability, also boosted its financial performance. The company delivered a premium of £72 million to the Treasury in FY23 and is expected to exceed this figure in FY24.