Direct Rail Services DRS has been awarded a new contract to operate Ford automotive rail services between Dagenham and Garston.

DRS will be working with automotive transport specialist STVA UK to transport cars between the Ford factory in Dagenham to their rail terminal just outside Liverpool.

Carrying a mixture of double deck and single deck wagons tailor made to transport vehicles. The new rail service will operate between six to eight times a week with potential for expansion for up to 10 services.

Whilst the two terminals are non-electrified the route has overhead lines and DRS can use its state-of-the-art Class 88 locomotive for the entire journey. The Class 88 is ideally suited as it can use diesel power for the very start and end of its journey but the overhead lines for the vast majority of the route, making it highly efficient and great for the environment.

Chris Connelly, DRS’ Chief Operating Officer, said: “The introduction of this new rail service is an exciting addition to the DRS portfolio and reaffirms DRS’ ambition to introduce new business to complement our core nuclear mission.

“We look forward to working closely with STVA UK and implementing this new service which will mark an exciting start of our relationship.”

Simon Willard, STVA UK General Manager, added: “We are delighted to be working with DRS and embarking on what we hope will be a long-term partnership.

“I would like to thank all of the DRS team for their hard work and commitment to the bid process and for their enthusiasm to work with us”.