THE first of five Hitachi-built Intercity Expresses which have been bought for open-access operator Hull Trains arrived at Hull station yesterday.
A total of £60 million has been invested by Angel Trains and the fleet will now be introduced over the coming weeks, with the aim of having all five in service early in the New Year.
HT said the bi-mode Class 802 trains would add 5,500 seats to its London-Hull services, and that the fleet would ‘transform’ rail travel on the route.
The operator’s managing director Louise Cheeseman said: ‘These hi-tech trains will completely overhaul the current service as our customers know it.
‘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, plugs and USB ports throughout, as well as a new at-seat trolley service and an even greater choice and improved quality of hot and cold food. More people will be able to travel, thanks to the 22 per cent additional capacity.
‘The arrival of these 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.’
Hull Trains currently operates 92 services every week. More than two thirds of the journey between Hull and the capital will be able to run on electric power.
Hull City Council’s portfolio holder for economic investment, regeneration and planning, land and property, Councillor Daren Hale, said: ‘This is a fantastic investment in the city and the new Hull Trains stock will be a travelling advertisement for the city of Hull.’
Hitachi Group CEO Andy Barr added: ‘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.’
The five trains will be leased from Angel Trains, whose CEO Kevin Tribley 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.’