TransPennine Express Class 185 fleet has reached its 20-year mark. TPE marked the occasion at Siemens Mobility’s Ardwick depot in Manchester, as reported by RailUK.

TransPennine Express Class 185 fleet celebrates 20 years
Photo: TransPennine Express

The event recognised two decades of an award-winning fleet. It has become a backbone of rail travel across the North. Also, the trains have travelled almost 180 million miles. That equals circling the earth more than 7,200 times.

TransPennine Express Class 185 fleet anniversary at Ardwick depot

Held on Monday 16 March, the event brought together colleagues and industry partners. They celebrated the fleet’s role on the TransPennine network.

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The fleet first entered service on 14 March 2006. It brought modern 100mph diesel trains to the network. Meanwhile, it has carried millions of customers across the region.

Inside Ardwick depot

Guests were given a behind-the-scenes look at Siemens Mobility Ardwick depot, where the Class 185 trains are maintained. The programme included guided tours of engineering facilities. In addition, guests saw the work carried out by the teams that keep the fleet running.

For example, visitors saw specialist equipment used by engineers. They also explored driver simulators that support driver training across the network. At the same time, party hats and brownies gave the event a celebratory feel.

Reliability, stations and data-driven maintenance

Paul Staples, engineering, safety and sustainability director at TPE, said: “Reaching 20 years of service for our Class 185 fleet is an immense milestone and a testament to the dedication of the many colleagues at TPE, Siemens and Beacon Rail who keep these trains running for our customers every day.

“The fleet plays a vital part of connecting communities and supporting regional growth across the North and it was great to celebrate this anniversary with our partners and colleagues at Ardwick depot.”

Aglaja Schneider, joint UK&I CEO of Siemens Mobility and managing director for Rolling Stock and Customer Services, also referred to the fleet’s digital upgrade, as previously covered by Railway Supply, and commented: “The whole Siemens Mobility team is so proud to celebrate two decades of the Class 185 fleet serving millions of passengers across the North.

“A huge thank you to our Siemens Mobility, the Beacon Rail and the TransPennine Express maintenance and engineering teams, whose dedication to safety, performance and passenger experience keeps these trains running. And with the digital upgrade to the fleet enabling data-driven maintenance; the 185s are ready for the future.

Stations and awards

Separately, the trains now serve 66 stations. They have also called at more than 100 stations across the network over the past two decades. Still, the fleet has earned a strong reputation for reliability.

Also, in 2025, it was named Most Reliable First Generation New DMU. The title came at the Golden Spanner Awards for the tenth time. The title recognised the work of engineers, drivers and technicians. They keep the trains performing at a high standard.

Class 185 fleet refresh programme under way

Alongside the anniversary, the Class 185 fleet refresh programme is also under way. Meanwhile, a deep clean launched in autumn 2025 is giving every carriage a full interior clean. It includes removing seats and tables. This allows carpets and upholstery to be cleaned thoroughly.

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