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 | Lancashire Times A Voice of the Free Press |
12:34 PM 13th May 2021
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LNER Supports Service Recovery Plan For Hitachi Class 800 Trains
Hitachi, train operators and the government, with oversight from the rail regulator, have
agreed a service recovery plan for the safe reintroduction of some of the Class 800 trains
that were taken out of service.
Safety remains the top priority.
David Horne, LNER Managing Director, said: “I am pleased we have been able to work as an industry to agree a service recovery plan with Hitachi and industry partners that will allow trains to return safely to our route. We are continuing to work together to begin the return of Azuma trains into service early next week. Customers should continue to check before they travel with LNER, and I apologise for the disruption caused.”
Rail Minister Chris-Heaton Harris said: “I welcome the news that operators, working closely with Hitachi and the independent safety regulator, the Office of Road and Rail, have confirmed that many trains can return to the network following rigorous safety tests.
“Trains should begin to return to service after further inspections have been carried out, helping to safely restore the reliable and punctual services on GWR and LNER that passengers deserve.
"Safety is our absolute focus, which is why Hitachi will carry out a comprehensive daily testing regime on affected trains.
“The next step on the route back to normal service levels will be for Hitachi to present their long-term repair plan for the fleet. We expect to see this shortly.
“Whilst this long-term fix can partly be incorporated into the regular service pattern for these trains, we do expect disruption to services for some time to come, but hope passengers understand this work is essential to ensure these issues do not occur again.”
“Trains should begin to return to service after further inspections have been carried out, helping to safely restore the reliable and punctual services on GWR and LNER that passengers deserve.
"Safety is our absolute focus, which is why Hitachi will carry out a comprehensive daily testing regime on affected trains.
“The next step on the route back to normal service levels will be for Hitachi to present their long-term repair plan for the fleet. We expect to see this shortly.
“Whilst this long-term fix can partly be incorporated into the regular service pattern for these trains, we do expect disruption to services for some time to come, but hope passengers understand this work is essential to ensure these issues do not occur again.”
The service recovery plan will enable some services to be reinstated into timetables, helping to get more passengers moving on the rail network.
A 75 per cent timetable is currently in operation across the LNER route with passengers advised to check before they travel.
To help provide additional services, LNER has reintroduced an InterCity 225 into passenger
service on the route connecting London with West Yorkshire.
A second InterCity225 is expected to follow in the coming days. Ticket acceptance with other operators is also in place for some routes.
Customers are reminded to check lner.co.uk for the very latest travel information and
updates.