GB Railfreight, one of the UK’s largest rail freight operators, has won a contract with Hitachi Rail Europe to test their newly built electric intercity trains on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).
Testing of Hitachi’s electric trains begins in Spring 2017. Since September 2013 the companies have worked together to facilitate the testing and commissioning of the new bi-mode intercity trains, part of the Intercity Express Programme (IEP).
The first two electric only test trains for the ECML arrived at Hitachi’s newly constructed Doncaster depot in February.
As part of the new contract, due to run until April 2020, GBRf will provide train crew for all aspects of the testing and commissioning programme.
John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, said:
“The state-of-the-art IEP trains will transform rail travel in the UK and create opportunities for growth across several regions. I’m pleased that GB Railfreight has the opportunity to extend its relationship with Hitachi to ensure that these trains are tested and commissioned so that they are ready to deliver improved services for rail passengers.”
Andy Rogers, IEP Programme Director at Hitachi Rail Europe, said:
“We take great pride in watching our new intercity trains run on the UK rail network. We look forward to working with GB Railfreight as we reach our next test milestone of running electric only trains on the East Coast main line.”
