News Headlines - 25 November 2010

▽County Durham train plant decision delayed - BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-11837345
A consortium led by Japanese company Hitachi was the preferred bidder to build carriages and trains at a site at Newton Aycliffe.
But the government will now consider a cheaper revised bid from Hitachi, as well as an alternative for a fleet of all-electric trains.
A decision is expected next year.

▽Hitachi disappointed at decision to delay trains announcement - The Northern Echo
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/8686079.Hitachi_disappointed_at_decision_to_delay_trains_announcement/
A TRAIN manufacturer hoping to create thousands of jobs in the region has expressed its disappointment at the Government's decision to delay an announcement on the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).
Hitachi said it would consider its position after holding further talks with the Department for Transport.

▽UK defers decision on Intercity train replacement - London South East
http://www.lse.co.uk/FinanceNews.asp?ArticleCode=q5x54qkrabktikk&ArticleHeadline=UPDATE_1UK_defers_decision_on_Intercity_train_replacement
'The government will continue to assess the two remaining alternatives, alongside a consideration of the extent of electrification on the Great Western route, and will make a further statement in the New Year,' it said in a statement.

▽U.K. Buys 2,100 Railcars, Keeps Hitachi Waiting on InterCity Bid - Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-11-25/u-k-to-buy-2-100-railcars-fund-express-train-program-to-ease-congestion.html
Britain’s government said it will fund 2,100 railcars for delivery over the next 8 1/2 years, including trains for a new cross-London line and high speed inter-city routes to southwest and northeast England.

▽UK gives go-ahead to £6 billion Thameslink rail spend - Reuters
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE6AO1VN20101125
The Department for Transport (DfT) said it was considering bids from two consortia led by Siemens and Bombardier Transportation to provide around 1,200 new electric vehicles for the Thameslink programme. It will announce its preferred bidder in the spring.