Hitachi-Alstom enlists public in design of the UK’s new high-speed trains
Twenty user groups have participated in testing as part of a programme to design new high-speed trains for High Speed Two (HS2).
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High-speed trains due to run on High Speed Two (HS2) – and further north on the West Coast Main Line – in the UK will help deliver a “step-change in the passenger experience”, engineers have said, as detailed designs for the new fleet are finalised.
In the most extensive project of its kind seen in the UK, the public has been put at the heart of refining designs for the interior of the 54 trains. The process is being taken forward by West Coast Partnership (WCP), HS2 Ltd and its manufacturing joint venture, Hitachi-Alstom High Speed (HAH-S).
Since the start of 2024, a range of customer groups, ranging from people with reduced mobility to cyclists and young families, have been invited to experience life-sized wooden mock-ups of the trains at HAH-S’ facility in Derby – helping engineers understand the levels of ease, accessibility and comfort.
Inclusive design
The process included reviewing different options around boarding and alighting from the train, the positioning of grab rails to aid mobility and support, and testing the layout of toilets – particularly for wheelchair customers.
Life-sized mock-ups have also been made of other sections of the train including the café-shop, bicycle storage and child buggy storage.
It forms part of a refinement process – supported by market research – that enables the final designs to be adjusted to fully meet the needs of passengers and staff. Although similar processes have previously been used in the development of rolling stock, it is believed to be the most extensive user development exercise ever undertaken for a new train fleet built in the UK.
“As we progress towards delivering the next generation of high-speed trains for HS2, the feedback from passengers has been invaluable. Their insights are helping us refine the design to ensure that our trains not only meet but exceed expectations for accessibility, comfort and convenience. Engaging with a diverse range of future passengers, including those who may not typically consider train travel, has been crucial in shaping the features that will make a real difference to their experience,” said Niall Simmons, Collaborative Design Manager at Hitachi-Alstom High Speed.
He added: “HAH-S is committed to putting passengers at the heart of every decision. By working closely with the public, we are confident that we’re creating a fleet of trains that will set new standards for intercity travel in the UK. This collaborative approach ensures that when HS2 is operational, it will deliver a transformative and stress-free journey for a wide range of people.”
Twenty groups have given feedback on the designs so far as part of a process organised by WCP, the train’s future operator. It underlines the scale of the progress that has already been made as part of the complex development of HS2’s fully electric trains that will offer unparalleled levels of reliability, speed and comfort and will help in the fight against climate change.
“We’re designing HS2 to provide a step-change in the passenger experience so that it’s accessible to everyone – and especially to people who don’t currently think train travel is for them or don’t consider in the first place,” said James Dawson, Senior Rolling Stock Engineer at HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for developing and promoting the UK's new high-speed rail network.
He added: “I’m confident that work with Hitachi and Alstom, plus our innovative design refinement approach, will deliver a quality product that stands the test of time.”
Design features
Features tested by the groups included best-in-class legroom and reclining seats to feature throughout all trains in the fleet.
Passengers like to be able to see their luggage throughout journeys, so designers have maximised both overhead and under seat storage space to accommodate a variety of baggage and case sizes in an effort to enhance convenience and reduce stress levels.
Every seat will be able to recline, as well as having an independent reading light, coat hook, and USB-C and standard plug socket.
“Together with our partners at HS2 and Hitachi-Alstom, we want to produce a train that delivers the best travel experience in the UK and sets new standards for rail. As part of our work to prepare for future operations, public testing at this stage of the programme enables us to make the right decisions for customers in this critical design phase of the project,” said Simon Aslett, Rolling Stock Director at West Coast Partnership Development.
As part of the design, a carefully-considered mix of ‘airline style’ seats in rows and four table seats is provided throughout the train to ensure there is a seat for everyone’s needs. Passengers in airline style seats will also benefit from a smartphone and tablet holder so that they can be comfortably viewed.
Next steps
With feedback from user group sessions, designers have repositioned grab handles near the doors, created a ‘step-free’ solution for passengers, redesigned the bicycle storage area, rearranged USB-C sockets and tray tables, and adjusted wheelchair spaces to give a much better customer experience.
Future use group sessions will help designers to finalise passenger seat design to ensure they are comfortable for everyone on long journeys; as well as optimising the train’s LED lighting system to help deliver an enhanced ambience throughout the day and across the seasons.
Additionally, testers gave feedback on the ‘step-free’ access design that will enable passengers to board and alight more easily.
HS2 platform train interface (PTI) concept design
Joint venture
Once the train’s designs are finalised, full production will start around 2027. Body shell welding and electrical installation will be led by Hitachi’s County Durham plant before the interior fit out is completed by Alstom in Derby.
Meanwhile, the bogies – which house the train's wheel sets – will be made by Alstom at their Crewe facility; the first time in almost two decades that these have been manufactured in the UK.
HS2’s trains will offer direct services between London and the West Midlands plus services further north via the West Coast Main Line.
Manufacture of the rolling stock will take place in parallel to the huge construction of the new line, with the railway expected to be operational between 2029 and 2033. When complete, HS2 will create shorter and more reliable journeys, driving economic growth while crucially freeing up space on the most congested part of the existing West Coast Main Line.
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