New generation, high-tech train makes maiden journey

The first of a fleet of state-of-the-art new trains which aims to transform rail travel in the south-west and Wales has been unveiled by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The Class 800 train, which was specially designed and built by Hitachi as part of the government’s £5.7 billion InterCity Express Programme (IEP), ran a special service from Reading to London Paddington to celebrate 175 years since the opening of the Great Western Main Line.

The trains, hoped to generate over 700 direct jobs, will include more seats, greater legroom, free Wi-Fi, power sockets at each seat, LCD seat reservation indicators and increased space in overhead luggage racks.

The trains remain in testing mode, with 57 expected to move into passenger service from summer 2017. They will operate on services between London and Reading, Oxford, Swindon, Bath, Bristol and South Wales as well as north and south Cotswold lines.

McLoughlin said: “Britain’s railways have a glorious past and even brighter future thanks to the record amounts we are investing to modernise the network, deliver better journeys for passengers and drive economic growth.

“The unveiling of Great Western Railway’s first state-of-the-art IEP train offers a glimpse of the benefits passengers in the south-west and Wales will enjoy from 2017. These include more seats, greater comfort, better reliability and faster, more frequent services.”