Press release -
First Hitachi-built Paragon train arrives in Hull
Hull Trains has invested £60 million into five state-of-the-art, bi-mode intercity trains – known as Class 802s– which will transform rail travel from Hull to London.
The fleet – which is built using Japanese bullet train technology – offers a sleek modern design, faster acceleration and longer carriages, offering more space and seats.
Once fully operational, people will benefit from 5,500 extra seats a week, greater reliability and a quieter and smoother ride. The fleet of new high-speed trains are being rolled into passenger service at intervals, with the full Paragon fleet expected to be in passenger service by early 2020.
Louise Cheeseman, managing director, said she was confident the Paragon fleet would revolutionise train travel between Hull and London.
“We have made a significant investment in these hi-tech trains which will completely overhaul the current service as our customers know it,” she explained.
“Not only will these trains give a smoother ride, they will be a lot more reliable than our existing trains, they will include complimentary Wi-Fi, plug and USB sockets throughout, a brand new at-seat trolley service and an even greater choice and improved quality of hot and cold food. We are increasing capacity on our trains by 22% which means more people are able to travel too.”
Hull Trains currently operates 92 services between Hull and London every week. The new trains can switch seamlessly between electric and diesel power. The trains can accelerate more quickly and they offer greater reliability across the rail infrastructure.
More than two thirds of the journey between Hull and the capital will be operated using electric power, which is much better than the environment. Even under diesel power the modern engines reduce harmful emissions (PM10 and NOx) by up to 90% compared to the existing trains.
Andy Barr, Group CEO, Hitachi Rail said: “These new trains designed using advanced bullet train technology have proven extremely popular, becoming the intercity train of choice on Britain’s rail network. The trains' many benefits include no more diesel emissions when running on electric power, fast and free Wi-Fi, and greater comfort for passengers. With over 25,000 smart sensors on board each train allowing real-time monitoring, our maintenance team can ensure a reliable and efficient service for people travelling to and from Hull and beyond.”
Steve Montgomery, First Rail managing director, said: “This investment in five brand new trains demonstrates FirstGroup’s commitment to Hull and our Hull Trains service. We’re proud to have supported the local community and East Yorkshire’s economy by investing in Hull Trains and growing the service over the years.”
Kevin Tribley, CEO at Angel Trains, said: “By investing in and developing new trains that reduce the environmental impact of rail travel we are even closer to creating a rail system that modern Britain deserves. We are incredibly proud of our team and would like to thank those at Hitachi and Hull Trains for their hard work in making this vision a reality.”
Louise added: “The arrival of these long-awaited trains marks a new era for Hull Trains. We are now on an exciting trajectory to build and grow this business into one our city can be really proud of. It’s our mission to be the first choice when people are travelling to London, I want people to trust in the service we offer and the fantastic customer service our customers know and expect.
“I want to thank our loyal customers and committed staff who continue to support Hull Trains, I am genuinely excited about the future of Hull Trains, our new trains and new beginning.”
Book direct with Hull Trains for best fares online: www.hulltrains.co.uk Join the conversation at @Hull_Trains and facebook.com/HullTrains/
ENDS
Hull Trains Media Contact:
For more information, please email hulltrains@cwa.co.uk or contact Sarah Howells at sh@cwa.co.uk or call +44 (0)116 232 7428
Hitachi Rail media contact:
Jamie Hodge, Communications Manager
m: +44 7826 849 165
e: Jamie.Hodge@hitachirail.com
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About Hull Trains
Hull Trains was established as an open access operator in 2000 and now operates 92 services a week directly from Hull to London. A £60 million investment will see five, new state-of-the-art Hitachi Class 802 trains replace the existing Class 180 trains. The new Paragon fleet will be fully operational by early 2020.
The hi-tech electric and diesel trains will be one of the most modern and innovative trains on the UK’s rail network. In 2020, Hull Trains will be celebrating its 20th anniversary year and will be marking the occasion by naming each brand-new train within the new fleet after a local hero or icon which reflects Hull’s culture and history.
The award-winning organisation employs 127 people of which 51% are female. Hull Trains is part of FirstGroup PLC
About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is a global transport specialist with over 100 years of experience building pioneering trains, offering quality maintenance and developing innovative new technology. As a leader in rail we’re improving transport for passengers, connecting communities and helping to boost the UK’s economy.
Having delivered the hugely popular Javelin HS1 fleet in advance of the 2012 London Games, Hitachi is delivering major orders for new trains, with 286 due to be in service by the end of 2021. Our purpose-built factory in County Durham is delivering 122 new high speed trains as part of the UK Government’s £5.7bn Intercity Express Programme and a fleet of 70 regional trains for Scotland. With a proud reputation for innovation, Hitachi is at the forefront of using new digital technology to enhance passenger experience and enrich Britain’s railway’s heritage. Hitachi Rail is growing rapidly, employing over 3,000 people and soon to be operational at 15 locations across the UK.
For more information about the company, please visit www.hitachirail-eu.com
About Angel Trains
Angel Trains is a leading provider of railway rolling stock in the UK and in Continental Europe. In the UK, Angel Trains is one of three rolling stock companies and provides approximately 4,100 passenger train vehicles and 280 freight locomotives to passenger and freight operators. Angel Trains customers include 18 of the 20 train operating companies including significant fleets placed with South West Trains and Virgin West Coast.
In Continental Europe, Angel Trains has operations in 11 countries and provides approximately 240 locomotives and 180 passenger trains to various operators. It also has a significant order book of passenger trains, locomotives and wagons in build.
For more information please visit www.angeltrains.co.uk
