Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to reports that 60 trains will be needed for HS2, how many of the trains will be required to divide into two shorter sets; whether each train will be designed to operate within W6 gauge, or whether there will be two or more designs for different structure gauge limits; whether each train will be required to operate at 360 kph; and whether the trains will be required to have flexible space within the passenger area for prams, pushchairs, wheelchairs and small freight.

Each train is expected to be circa 200 metres fixed unit capable of travelling on both conventional and HS2 dedicated infrastructure. When two are coupled together they are expected to be capable of carrying c.1100 passengers. Trains will be required to achieve the specified journey times. The HS2 dedicated infrastructure will be capable of being operated on at up to 360kph. Analysis is being undertaken to determine the appropriate gauge profile within which the trains will be designed, based on the routes upon which the trains are planned to operate. The interior design of the trains will reflect consultation with stakeholders including the parcel logistics industry.