Passengers at Newcastle Station witnessed a special moment last week as TransPennine Express (TPE) named one of its trains ‘North Star’ to celebrate its partnership with three 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 Lifeboat 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 of 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.”
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 £74,000 has been raised to support the work of the three lifeboat charities.
Image credit: TransPennine Express