West Coast

Powering the Future of Intercity Travel

£ 0 M+

Investment Value

Capable of 125 mph operation, upgradeable to 140 mph when signalling infrastructure allows

0 new vehicles

13 five-car Class 805 bi-mode trains and 10 seven-car Class 807 electric trains – together forming a modern, high-performance intercity fleet

Sustainable

Bi-mode and electric trains deliver cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient travel

Built on Hitachi’s proven AT300 platform for smooth, modern intercity journeys.

Passenger Comfort

Railway Line

Strategic rail connectivity across the West Coast

Delivering greener, quieter and faster journeys, the West Coast fleet represents the next generation of intercity travel – enhancing passenger comfort and supporting a more sustainable future for Britain’s railways.

Benefit

Benefits that move the 
nation forward

From enhanced passenger comfort to greener technology and stronger regional links – the West Coast fleet delivers long-term value for communities, operators, and the environment.

High-performing, reliable assets

The Class 805/807 fleet delivers consistent operational reliability on the West Coast mainline, supporting strong lease stability and predictable revenue streams.

Enhanced passenger experience

Spacious interiors, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, at-seat power, and real-time passenger information improve journey comfort and satisfaction for intercity travellers.

Future-proofed, modern design

Built by Hitachi with the latest intercity EMU and bi-mode technology, the fleet combines high speed, energy efficiency, and flexible operation across electrified and non-electrified routes.

Sustainable and energy efficient

Electric and bi-mode operation reduces emissions and energy use, aligning with decarbonisation targets and ESG investment objectives.

Supports network efficiency and capacity

Strong acceleration, high speed, and reliable systems improve timetable resilience, operational flexibility, and overall network performance.

Robust maintenance and long-term support

Manufacturer-backed maintenance programmes ensure high fleet availability, reducing operational risk and protecting asset value.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers to common questions about our zero-emission bus finance model.

What is the Class 805/807 fleet?

The Class 805 and 807 trains are modern intercity electric and bi-mode multiple-unit trains built by Hitachi for West Coast mainline services. They are designed to provide faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient intercity travel.

Rock Rail invested to provide long-term, stable lease income while supporting the modernisation of a key intercity corridor. The fleet delivers operational reliability, enhanced passenger experience, and long-term sustainable performance.

Passengers enjoy air-conditioned, spacious interiors, Wi-Fi, at-seat power, real-time journey information, and improved accessibility for a comfortable, modern intercity experience.

High acceleration, reliable modern systems, and flexible bi-mode capability ensure timetable resilience, faster journeys, and operational flexibility across electrified and non-electrified sections.

The fleet maximises electric operation and incorporates energy-efficient systems to reduce emissions, supporting ESG objectives and UK rail decarbonisation goals.

The Class 805/807 trains are designed for a long service life with modern systems, delivering enduring value, strong residual potential, and predictable returns for investors.

Accreditations

Our trusted accreditations

Recognised by leading industry bodies, our accreditations reflect our commitment 
to quality, safety, and sustainability in every project we deliver.

ISO 9001
Cyber Essentials Certified

Driving Net Zero: How Rock Road 
Is Funding the UK’s Bus Transition

Accelerating the shift to clean, affordable, zero-emission transport

Year
2025
Category
Rock Road
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The Challenge

The UK bus network is at the heart of everyday travel – but over 30,000 diesel buses still need replacing to achieve a fully zero-emission fleet.

While around 5,000 battery-electric buses are already on the road, the high upfront cost of electric vehicles and depot electrification continues to slow the transition. Traditional funding routes — such as government grants or short-term bank finance – have helped start the journey but cannot support decarbonisation at the scale required.

A new, sustainable funding model was needed: one that could attract long-term capital, spread costs fairly, and give operators and authorities confidence in the future.

The Solution

In 2021, Rock launched Rock Road to deliver exactly that –  applying its proven infrastructure financing approach from the rail sector to the UK’s clean bus revolution.

Working with Aviva, the National Wealth Fund, and HSBC, Rock created a dedicated investment platform that channels infrastructure-style finance from pension funds and institutional investors directly into zero-emission bus projects.

This model provides:
  • Access to billions in long-term private capital for fleets and depot electrification.
  • Low-cost, sustainable finance tailored to public-sector needs.
  • Comprehensive risk transfer, including residual value and battery performance, supported by Rock’s in-house team of engineers and asset managers.

Impact

The platform has already raised £100 million, with capacity to scale to £1 billion per year over the next decade – providing a consistent source of affordable capital for local authorities and operators.

Rock’s model ensures that the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric buses can now be lower than diesel equivalents, thanks to both cheaper long-term finance and reduced operating costs.

In London, Rock has financed 120 zero-emission buses under 7-year leases aligned with Transport for London’s contract lengths. This structure gives operators flexibility and certainty:

  • Buses can be returned, renewed, or upgraded at the end of term.
  • Lease rates are predictable and capped.
  • Ownership and residual risks sit with Rock, not the operator.

The Future

Rock Road’s ambition is to support the rollout of zero-emission fleets across the UK – helping local authorities and operators meet climate goals without overextending public budgets.

By leveraging limited government funding to attract large-scale private capital – for example, £10 million of public investment unlocking over £250 million in total funding – Rock’s model accelerates decarbonisation while keeping costs low for the public sector.

Our ambition is to make electric buses the default choice - not because of subsidy, but because they are the best economic and environmental option.
Louis Swindell
Commercial Director, Rock Road