The new Lumo fleet of Class 803 high-speed electric trains was delivered by GB Railfreight (GBRf), in partnership with Hitachi Rail for the new service last month.
Low cost quick electric train travel from Edinburgh to London on the East Coast Main Line has been made possible with the partnership working between GBRf and Hitachi Rail. GBRf provided Hitachi Rail with crews for testing along with train planning and haulage.
The fifth and last train in the Lumo Fleet will soon be delivered by GBRf to Hitachi Rail's Edinburgh depot in Craigentinny.
Commissioning new trains for West Coast Partnership and East Midlands Railway will be main focus for the long-term partnership for GBRf and Hitachi Rail along with moving and testing operations of existing fleets throughout the country.
John Smith, CEO of GB Railfreight, said “Working closely with our long-standing client Hitachi Rail, we've ensured the new fleet of Class 803 welcomes passengers as promised. This is a giant step forward in showcasing the role electric rail travel can, and must play, if the UK is to meet its net zero targets.”
Gary Townsend, Project Manager, Hitachi Rail, said “When it came to selecting a partner to act as Test Train Operator for the ECOA/Lumo fleet Hitachi chose GBRf based on their previous performance and values. Once again, they have delivered collaboratively with Hitachi against the backdrop of a global pandemic to deliver these 100% electric trains on time for the service launch.”
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So all 5 Class 803 Lumo trains have been delivered and are in service. Hitachi can now continue on manufacturing the Avanti West Coast Class 805 and Class 807 and East Midlands Railway Class 810.