Hull Trains has announced that the work to build the first shell for their new Hitachi fleet has been completed.
The new trains are set to run from December 2019 and is part of a £60 million investment by Hull Trains to improve train services for passengers. The train operator will replace the current fleet of Class 180 trains with five new Class 802 trains, financed by Angel Trains.
The aerodynamic style has been designed with the Japanese Bullet Train in mind, making them light too. These trains will be able to run on both diesel and electric power.
Passengers will also benefit from 20% more seating than currently available.
The new trains are also more environmentally friendly, reducing emissions by up to 90% compared to other trains on the East Coast Mainline.
The shells of the new trains are being built at Hitachi Rail's manufacturing plant in Kasado, Japan. The trains will then be completed at Hitachi's site in Pistoia, Italy before being tested and shipped to the UK for use on the East Coast Mainline next year.
What did the officials say?
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.”
“Following this investment we will be able to boast 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.”
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The Class 180 Adelante DMUs that are currently been used on Hull Trains will then be cascaded to Grand Central once the Bi-mode Class 802 IET has been delivered and are in service.