JUST a month after Transport for London (TfL) awarded Siemens with the £1.5 billion contract to supply trains for its network’s Deep Tube Upgrade Programme, the consortium comprising County Durham train builder Hitachiu and Derby-based Bombardier that was unsuccessful has launched a legal bid challenging the decision.

The papers that begin the process of reviewing the decision were filed at the High Court over the weekend by the consortium and it has been suggested that the reason for the action is down to a procurement process that it felt wasn’t sufficiently robust.

TfL said that it was “disappointed” with the decision to challenge the deal.

"We see no good basis for these claims to be issued and are disappointed that these companies have chosen to take this step," a spokesperson said.

The underground trains are scheduled to begin in 2023, from a factory that Siemens plans to build in Goole, East Yorkshire.

In the meantime, the first batch of trains made at Hitachi's Newton Aycliffe factory have begun running between Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street.

The first class 385 Express train left Waverley at 5.55am - the first of 70 new trains expected to run in the central belt by early next year.

The new trains have faster acceleration and offer the opportunity to reduce journey times, while being better for the environment and quieter.

Karen Boswell, Managing Director of Hitachi Rail Europe, said: “When passengers step on board this first train they’ll find it light, spacious and modern with loads of more seats – up to 130 extra compared to the existing diesel trains.

“And there is more to come. Our UK factory is working tirelessly to deliver the rest of the fleet, which will allow the current 51 minute journey time from Edinburgh and Glasgow to be cut by up to a fifth. Thanks to their high quality Japanese engineering these trains have the best 0-60mph acceleration of any in Scotland.”