GWR bi-mode delay

Great Western Railway delays introduction of new Hitachi trains on stopping services, to enable CCTV modifications.

GREAT Western Railway is delaying its introduction of new Hitachi trains on stopping services to Newbury and Bedwyn, until further notice.

The five-car Class 800 and ‘802’ bi-mode trains were due to replace Thames Turbos from the start of January, when Network Rail completes electrification of the route as far as Newbury.

However, GWR says the trains now require modifications. New CCTV cameras will have to be fitted so that the driver can see when doors can safely be closed. The company says this is essential at smaller stations where platforms are unstaffed. Stopping services are operated without a guard.

The operator was unable to say when these modifications could be carried out. It will have to delay the cascade of older Class 165 diesel multiple units from the route.

Network Rail is wiring as far as Newbury. The new trains would continue through Hungerford to Bedwyn using diesel power. A turnback siding at Bedwyn was lengthened last summer in readiness for the new rolling stock.

GWR spokesman Dan Panes said that longer nine-car Hitachi trains on the route to the South West would be unaffected, as they carry guards and do not stop at small unstaffed stations in Berkshire and Wiltshire.

GWR made the announcement in a letter from managing director Mark Hopwood to Devizes MP Claire Perry and Newbury MP Richard Benyon.

Hopwood also commented on recent poor performance. He wrote: “It continues to be a challenge and I apologise for the impact this is having. Things are getting better but there is more to be done. I have therefore appointed a Performance Director as we are focused on improving reliability.”

The new Hitachi trains have proved less reliable than GWR had expected. After a year in service, they are only now starting to match the reliability of the 40-year-old High Speed Train rolling stock they are replacing.

Four-car Class 387 electric multiple units will start to run on services that terminate at Newbury from January 2, as planned.

JOHN STRETTON. Great Western Railway 800014, leading 800034, pauses at Didcot Parkway with the 1230 London Paddington-Bristol Temple Meads on November 17. GWR planned to introduce these trains onto stopping services to Newbury and Bedwyn next month, but issues with their CCTV cameras mean this has been delayed.