MP TAKES ACTION OVER TRAIN CRACKS
GREAT WESTERN Railway (GWR) has been reintroducing trains on the London Paddington line, after they were removed from action two weeks ago.
The rail operator agreed a service recovery plan with manufacturer Hitachi Rail and the Government to reintroduce the 800 Series.
The fleet was removed from service after hairline cracks were found onboard.
Mark Hopwood, GWR managing director, said he is grateful for customer patience over the last few weeks.
“The industry has come together to help support those travelling – with other operators allowing each other’s tickets to be used on their networks; adding in extra shuttle services to help move people; and in sharing rolling stock to provide it to those who need it most,” he said.
GWR has advised passengers to check ahead of travel.
The service recovery plan includes criteria each train must meet before it takes passengers.
This includes a thorough inspection by specialist teams before leaving the depot.
Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East, said it was very encouraging the trains were coming back in service.
“I’m very pleased to hear that this seems to have been resolved relatively quickly,” the MP said. “It will be a relief to commuters who will soon be able to travel in a more normal way.
“Safety has to come first, and I’m pleased Hitachi seems to have addressed this quickly. I would like to thank all rail staff for their hard work over the last few days, they have been going above and beyond their normal duties.”
Hitachi Rail said its engineers and independent experts have also completed rigorous tests and research to gain a clearer understanding of the cracking issue.
Over time, trains will be subject to a Forward Repair Plan, to ensure the fleet remains safe.
Rail minister Chris HeatonHarris said 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,” he added. “We expect to see this shortly.
“While 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.”
Andrew Barr, group CEO of Hitachi Rail, said: “Safety remains our number one priority, and we and our partners have worked round the clock to agree on an approach that allows the return of trains to service where they have been deemed safe.”
Mr Barr thanked all partners for their support in the process.