Travel and Transport / Transport
GWR unveil new Hitachi high speed trains
To celebrate 175 years to the day since the first train ran on the line between Bristol and London, GWR unveiled a preview of new Hitachi-built trains that will be introduced next summer.
The trains have been part of the biggest investment on the GWR railway since Brunel, including the electrification of the main line.
The British-manufactured trains have been built with improved features including free WiFi, greater legroom, more seats, power sockets at each seat, LCD seat reservation indicators and increased space in overhead luggage racks.
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The new trains will begin to be introduced for passenger use next summer on the Great Western main line, and also on services between London and Devon and Cornwall from 2018.
Mark Hopwood, Great Western Railway Managing Director, said: “The new trains will result in more frequent and faster journeys and an increase in the number of seats. These, and a range of further passenger benefits, will enable communities and businesses across the Great Western network to prosper and we are delighted to invite observers to witness first-hand the step change electrification and our new fleet will bring.”
Route Managing Director for Network Rail, Mark Langman, added: “Network Rail’s Greater West programme is delivering the power and signalling which will allow these fantastic new trains to reach their potential. They will help transform journeys and grow local economies across the West.”
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