New MD celebrates Hull Trains' 21st anniversary
HULL TRAINS has celebrated its 21st anniversary with a special commemorative vinyl wrap design on Hitachi Class 802 ‘Paragon’ unit 802305, with the new-look train being launched by the new managing director, David Gibson.
The 21st anniversary celebrations were launched in a ceremony at Hull station on October 8, with the event being one of the first conducted by Mr Gibson following his appointment, who said: “I am incredibly proud to have joined Hull Trains as its managing director at this pivotal time in its history. I have lived locally for 18 years and since 2003 I have travelled on Hull Trains services. I know how important it is to the region. Hull Trains has been a beacon for the city and the wider region, and I want it to be that again.” The open access operator is recovering from two lengthy periods where services were suspended due to the coronavirus lockdowns in March and November 2020.
The Hull Trains ‘Paragon’ fleet was introduced into service in 2019 and is painted in First Group dark blue livery with magenta-coloured doors. 802301-304 all feature a photo montage in a wide multi-coloured vinyl band running the length of the bodyside, providing a rainbow effect. The commemorative design applied to 802305 also features a photo vinyl band, but in black-and-white, celebrating 21 years of Hull Trains, along with 21st anniversary branding. Mr Gibson replaces Louise Cheeseman as managing director, who left Hull Trains earlier this year to take up a position with Transport for London.