Rail (UK)

Testing takes IEP train to Scotland for the first time

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Intercity Express Programme (IEP) trains reached Scotland for the first time on August 16, when the first IEP ran to Dunbar for testing.

Nine-car 800101, the first Virgin Trains East Coast Azuma, ran from Doncaster to Dunbar and back as part of the continued testing of the trains ahead of their planned introducti­on next year. It was met by a piper as it arrived at Dunbar.

“Making rail an attractive alternativ­e is an ideal way to encourage more people out of their cars and onto greener transport,” said Scotland’s Transport Minister Humza Yousaf.

“That is why it’s great to see Virgin’s first cross-border Azuma fleet in Scotland as part of their testing programme, which is building towards service introducti­on next year.”

VTEC Managing Director David Horne said: “Having the train visit Scotland for the first time as part of testing is a really important moment, and reminds us of the excitement it will bring to UK train travel when it is introduced into service.”

Hitachi Rail MD Karen Boswell added: “Passengers and enthusiast­s in Scotland will be seeing more of the Azuma trains in the coming months as part of our rigorous test programme. Our UK-built fleet harnesses world-

famous Japanese bullet train technology, giving passengers on the East Coast Main Line the very best in quality and reliabilit­y.”

Sixty-five IEP Class 800/801s are on order from Hitachi Rail Europe. Virgin Trains East Coast aims to use the trains to reduce journey times between London and Edinburgh by up to 22 minutes.

The operator says the trains will also help boost capacity from King’s Cross by 28% at peak-time. The interiors have been designed by Virgin.

VTEC has 13 nine-car Class 800/1 (800101-800113) and ten five-car Class 800/2 (800201- 800210) bi-mode IEPs on order, as well as 12 five-car (8011018011­12) and 30 nine-car Class 801 (801201-801230) electric multiple unit IEPs.

 ?? JON VEITCH. ?? Hitachi Rail 800101 arrives at Dunbar on August 16.
JON VEITCH. Hitachi Rail 800101 arrives at Dunbar on August 16.
 ?? VTEC. ?? Hitachi Rail 800101 crosses the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-uponTweed on August 16.
VTEC. Hitachi Rail 800101 crosses the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-uponTweed on August 16.

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