THE hunt for a company to design, build and maintain a fleet of state-of-the-art high speed trains for the controversial HS2 rail network has been launched today, Friday.

Transport secretary Chris Grayling says up to 60 high specification trains to transport passengers at around 225mph on Britain’s new high speed rail service are needed and is inviting companies to bid for the £2.75 billion contract.

He said: “Launching the hunt for a manufacturer of these trains is a major step towards Britain getting a new railway which will carry more than 300,000 people a day, improve connections between our great cities, generate jobs and help us build an economy that works for all.

“Hundreds of jobs will be created in building and maintaining these trains, representing a great opportunity for British-based businesses and suppliers.

“In total 25,000 jobs and 2,000 apprenticeships will be created during HS2 construction and we have held discussions with UK suppliers to make sure they are in the best possible position to win contracts.”

The railway will link London, Birmingham, the east Midlands, Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester and will pass through Lowton.

Chris Rayner, HS2 Ltd managing director, railway operations, said: “We are looking for a supplier who is capable of delivering and maintaining some of the world’s most advanced rolling stock, with designs putting the passenger at their heart to ensure seamless, accessible, fast and reliable journeys.

“Starting from 2026, our trains will be used by tens of thousands of people every day, bringing the benefits of high speed rail not only to the core network but also onward to places like Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Preston and Wigan.”

The contract will be awarded in 2019.