IEP trains could increase capacity by up to 70%

Seating capacity on the first Intercity Express routes will increase by up to 70%, and the trains will be up to 40% more energy efficient, the government has promised.

The Invitation to Tender issued to the three consortia bidding for the IEP contract requires electric IEPs to be 27-40% more energy efficient than the trains they replace, and self-powered/diesel IEPs 10-35%. The DfT said diesel versions must be easily adaptable in the event of future electrification. Hybrid diesel- electric...