A TECHNOLOGY firm has secured a fresh deal with a County Durham trainbuilder to supply WiFi services on new rolling stock.

Nomad Digital will provide high-speed internet connections across a Hitachi Rail Europe fleet bound for the Abellio ScotRail franchise north of the border.

Hitachi, based in Newton Aycliffe, will supply 70 trains for travellers across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Alloa and Dunblane, with its first models expected to enter service later this year.

The contract comes after Newcastle-based Nomad was chosen by Hitachi to fit on-board server systems, used to transmit operational data between trains and the trackside, for its Intercity Express Programme trains that will soon replace ageing stock on the East Coast and Great Western lines.

It also reflects a further coup for Nomad, since the business already provides WiFi to Abellio ScotRail passengers.

Jean-Philippe Tissot, Nomad Digital’s chief commercial officer, said the business was pleased to have reinforced its ties with Hitachi, adding travellers will benefit from stronger internet links.

He said: “We are delighted our solution will benefit Scottish rail passengers now and into the future. “They get the opportunity to work on-the-go, surf the web, use social networks and use news and video apps.”

“This partnership provides Hitachi with connectivity that offers flexibility and scalability, as well as the ability to integrate a host of solutions to future-proof their requirements.”

Hitachi, which The Northern Echo previously revealed had pushed its workforce beyond the 1,000-mark at its £82m Aycliffe plant, has been carrying out testing programmes on its rolling stock over the last few months.

In August, it trialled an Azuma train, destined for the East Coast main line next year, during a trip to Scotland.

Bosses say the 65-strong Azuma fleet will provide operator Virgin with thousands of extra seats and increase capacity into London King’s Cross by nearly 30 per cent at peak times.

It also has a deal in place to supply the FirstGroup TransPennine Express franchise, which links the North-East with Manchester and Scotland, with 19 five-car trains.