GBRf to test new Hitachi IEP electric trains

GB Railfreight (GBRf) will be testing Hitachi Rail Europe’s newly built IEP electric intercity trains on the East Coast Main Line (ECML).

IEP train (credit: Hitachi Rail Europe)

The two companies have been working together since 2013 to facilitate the testing and commissioning of the new bi-mode intercity trains as part of the Intercity Express Programme (IEP), with the first two electric-only trains for the ECML arriving at Hitachi’s newly constructed Doncaster depot in February.

“The state-of-the-art IEP trains will transform rail travel in the UK and create opportunities for growth across several regions,” said John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight. “I’m pleased that GB Railfreight has the opportunity to extend its relationship with Hitachi to ensure that these trains are tested and commissioned so that they are ready to deliver improved services for rail passengers.”

As part of the new contract (which is due to run until April 2020) GBRf, one of the UK’s largest rail freight operators, will provide train crew for all aspects of the testing and commissioning programme.

“We take great pride in watching our new intercity trains run on the UK rail network,” added Andy Rogers, IEP Programme Director at Hitachi Rail Europe. “We look forward to working with GB Railfreight as we reach our next test milestone of running electric only trains on the East Coast main line.”

Testing of Hitachi’s electric trains begins in Spring 2017.