News / GWR
Delays and water in carriage on first high-speed train from Bristol to London
It was 25 minutes late leaving Bristol Temple Meads on Monday morning, arrived in London Paddington 41 minutes behind schedule and on the way an air conditioning unit leak saw water spilling into a carriage.
Not the best start for the launch of the UK’s new fleet of high-speed trains, made in the UK by Hitachi, which promise to cut journey times, increase the number of seats and services, and be more comfortable.
In a video apology on Twitter, Hitachi managing director Karen Boswell said: “This was not to a standard that Hitachi expects and is known for. We can and will do better.
“Our depot teams are as a matter of priority investigating the root causes of today’s technical issues, and we will ensure that these are corrected as quickly as possible.”
https://twitter.com/HitachiRailEU/status/919930521345544197
The Hitachi 800 engine will run on GWR for the next 27 years, replacing Intercity 125s.
Overhead cables for the electric trains have yet to reach Bristol due to budget cuts and delays, so the trains currently have to run on diesel from Maidenhead to Temple Meads.
Transport secretary Chris Grayling, who was on the first service, said the new trains will be “transformational” for people from Bristol.
He said: “These are the smartest trains in the country, probably the best we have ever had in the country.
“This is going to be a fantastic service, with really regular trains and far more capacity.”
Main photo courtesy of Hitachi Rail Europe
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