Today saw the official launch of the UK’s first domestic high speed service. The new high speed service operates from St Pancras International to Kent and is part of a fully integrated timetable in the South East, marking the biggest change in 40 years.
Hitachi Rail Europe Ltd. today announced that it has handed over the 29th and final Class 395 train to Southeastern, ahead of the scheduled start of full passenger service on 13 December 2009. The trains provide the first 140 mph high-speed domestic service in the UK, running on the HS 1 line from St Pancras International to Ashford International.
The train maintenance centre has now taken delivery of all Class 395 trains destined for Southeastern’s high-speed rail service. The final train arrived in the UK on 17 August 2009, bringing the number of units housed in the depot to 29. Before being handed over, all Class 395 trains are commissioned and put through 4,000 miles of fault free running (FFR).
Hitachi today celebrates the first high speed passenger journey of its Class 395 between Ashford International, Ebbsfleet International and St Pancras International. At the invitation of Southeastern, members of the media and key stakeholders were welcomed on board the Hitachi-built trains today to experience the new trains first hand.
Hitachi Europe Rail Group today confirmed that it will not progress in bidding for the provision of new trains for the Thameslink service. By doing so, the company is able to continue its focus on current and future commitments.
Hitachi Europe Rail Group today announced that the first Class 465 unit with Hitachi traction technology have been handed back to Southeastern on schedule and this prototype unit will start revenue service today.
Agility Trains today announced that its principal suppliers, Hitachi Europe Rail Group and John Laing, will hold a series of supplier events to meet potential UK and European supply partners. These events are designed to start a conversation about cooperating on this exciting project.
Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501, "Hitachi") today announced plans for the establishment of a rolling stock assembly and manufacturing facility in the UK*1, following the announcement that Agility Trains, of which Hitachi is the main shareholder, has been selected as preferred bidder to supply new rolling stock for the Intercity Express Programme.
The British-led Agility Trains consortium, comprising Barclays Private Equity, Hitachi and John Laing, was today announced as the preferred bidder for the UK Department for Transport’s Intercity Express Programme.
