All aboard the North Star: TransPennine Express names train in honour of lifeboat charities

The Nova 1 (Class 802) will now honour the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), St Abbs Independent Lifeboat and Humber Rescue.

The event brought together lifeboat volunteers, charity representatives and TPE partners for speeches and the official unveiling of the train name. The ceremony marked a shared commitment to safety - on the railway and at sea - and highlighted the vital work carried out by lifeboat crews across the UK.

TPE launched its partnership with the Iifeboat charities last year to raise awareness of water safety and support fundraising efforts for lifesaving operations.

The train operator connects towns and cities across the North of England and into Scotland with popular seaside destinations including Cleethorpes, Dunbar, Hull, Liverpool, Redcar and Scarborough.

With the majority of RNLI rescues involving visitors travelling from inland areas to the coast, the partnership is a natural extension of the train operator’s role in connecting people to these locations.

The partnership also celebrates a shared history: the RNLI’s very first street collection in 1891 took place in Manchester a major city on the train operator’s network.

Paul Staples, Engineering, Safety and Sustainability Director for TPE said: “Safety isn’t just part of our job; it’s our guiding principle. Naming this train North Star is a tribute to the courage of the charities who protect lives every day.

“Just as lifeboat crews navigate the harshest conditions to keep people safe, North Star stands as a symbol of guidance, reliability, and unwavering commitment to safety.”

Fiona Fell, Deputy Chair, RNLI, said: “Every lifeboat launch and lifeguard rescue begins with one purpose: saving lives. Partnerships like this help us reach people long before they reach the water, reinforcing vital safety messages and generating essential funds for our volunteer crews and lifeguards.

“Naming this train North Star is a powerful symbol of guidance and reassurance, and we’re grateful to TransPennine Express for its continued commitment to supporting lifesaving work along our coasts.”

Ruth Hair from St Abbs Independent Lifeboat said: “As an independent lifeboat crew, community support is absolutely vital to everything we do. This partnership not only helps raise funds but also raises awareness of water safety among people travelling to and from coastal areas.

“Seeing North Star unveiled is a proud moment for our volunteers and a reminder that whether by sea or by rail, keeping people safe relies on teamwork.”

Mike Dennett from Humber Rescue said: “The Humber presents one of the most challenging rescue environments in the country, and the support we receive through partnerships like this makes a real difference to our ability to respond when people need us most.

“We’re proud to be recognised through the North Star train, which reflects the shared values of vigilance, reliability and safety that underpin both our work and TransPennine Express’s role in connecting communities.”

The partnership has already seen TPE introduce initiatives such as allowing customers to donate Delay Repay compensation directly to lifeboat charities which will help fund vital equipment and training. Over the course of the last year, over £74k has been raised to support the work of the three lifeboat charities.