Hitachi Rail Italy begins production of Class 802 bi-mode trains for GWR

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Photo: Hitachi.
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Hitachi Rail Italy’s site in Pistoia has begun work on the Class 802 bi-mode train fleet for Great Western Railway (GWR) after receiving the first bodyshells from Japan.

The Class 802 intercity trains will primarily operate services to Devon and Cornwall. They are being built in addition to the Class 800 IEP fleet which are being manufactured by Hitachi in the UK.

The factory in Pistoia, Tuscany, will build 22 five-car and 14 nine-car AT300 trains for GWR. The first of these will be delivered this winter and enter passenger service next summer.

Initially, Hitachi Rail Italy will deliver three test units – two five-car trains and one nine-car train. These will be housed at the Stoke Gifford depot throughout the testing phase.

Mark Hopwood, managing director of Great Western Railways, said: “Today marks another significant step towards delivering new trains, more seats, more frequent services and quicker journeys; and a step change in passenger experience on the Great Western.

“The first UK built Intercity Express Train rolled off the UK production plant last December for introduction in passenger service later this year, and it is great to see work on the fleet for Devon and Cornwall progress.”

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