28.08.18
First glimpse of brand-new Hull Trains fleet released
New pictures have revealed a first glimpse of Hull Trains’ brand-new bullet train-inspired fleet being built in Japan.
The stunning new images show the bodyshell of the trains currently being constructed in Kasado, which are set to run from December 2019 as part of a £60m investment from Hull Trains.
The Hitachi Class 802s are bi-mode: they will operate using both diesel traction, allowing the new vehicles benefit from the East Coast Main Line’s (ECML’s) electrified track.
Hitachi’s aerodynamic design will allow customers to reach their destination on time, reaching higher top speeds of 225 km/h. Customers will also receive 20% more seating capacity compared to its current fleet of Class 180s.
Louise Cheeseman, managing director of Hull Trains, said: “We’re very excited to confirm this latest development in the investment of our new fleet. Now that the body of our first Class 802 is complete, we can show passengers a first glimpse of what our new services will look like.
“These trains will really transform travel from Hull and East Yorkshire to the capital and we are delighted to see the progress made so far – the images bring the trains to life from the concepts that have been released.”
The new fleet, financed by Angel Trains, will be quieter and more environmentally friendly—being able to reduce harmful emissions by up to 90% compared to other trains using the ECML.
Cheeseman noted that following this investment Hull Trains will hold some of the most technologically advanced, fastest, and most comfortable trains on the UK rail network.
“It is great news for our customers, who are always at the centre of our focus, and means we will provide more in terms of service, as well as potentially reduce journey times,” she added.
After the shell of the trains are built in Japan, they will then be completed at Hitachi’s site in Pistoia, Italy, before being tested and shipped to the UK for use on the ECML next year.
Cheeseman wrote about Hull Trains’ future in the June/July version of Rail Technology Magazine.
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