First Class 800 arrives in UK

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The first new Class 800 intercity train has arrived in the UK from Hitachi’s Kasado works in Japan.

Rail Minister Claire Perry attended a special ceremony at the Port of Southampton to welcome the first of 122 new electric and bi-mode trains being built to modernise rolling stock on the East Coast and Great Western main lines.

The train is the first of 12 pre-series being manufactured in Japan. The remaining vehicles will be assembled at Hitachi’s site in Newton Aycliffe, which is due to open later this year.

From 2017, the first trains of the £5.7 billion InterCity Express Programme (IEP) will enter service on the Great Western Main Line followed by the East Coast in 2018. The entire fleet is expected to be in revenue service by 2020.

Rail Minister Claire Perry said: “We are investing record amounts building a world-class railway that provides more seats, more services and better journeys. IEP trains are a crucial part of this and it is fantastic that we are on track for the new fleet to enter service on schedule.

“The IEP is also helping to secure long-term economic growth by creating hundreds of jobs and apprenticeships at Hitachi’s new factory in County Durham, as well as thousands more jobs across the UK supply chain. I cannot wait to see the trains being manufactured in Britain and passengers using them.”

5 COMMENTS

    • I’m surprised that George Osborne was not there to greet the new Class 800. Lately, he seems to take great delight in attending such occasions and making announcements about new rail.investment. I am beginning to think that he is a closet rail enthusiast!

      • Gricer George? Perhaps he will fund the re-opening of some strategically useful lines instead of blowing a shedload of cash on that white elephant HS2.

  1. Southampton played a big part in helping Japan establish its first rail system over 150 years ago.

    issuu.com/railstation/docs/rail_announcement_march_2015

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