Revealed: First look at Hull Trains’ upcoming bullet train-inspired fleet

Work to build the first shell of Hull Trains’ new hi-tech fleet is complete, images released today (August 28) have revealed.

Set to run from December next year, the Hitachi vehicles are part of a £60m investment to improve the transport operators’ services.

Hull Trains will replace its existing fleet of Class 180s with five of the new intercity Class 802 trains, financed by rolling stock operating company Angel Trains.

The Class 802s will be powered by both diesel and electric traction. Manufacturer Hitachi is making the vehicles light and aerodynamic with the same tech used on Japan’s famous bullet trains.

According to Hull Trains, their top speeds of 225 km/h and bi-mode capability will help slash journey times. The trains will also offer 20% more seating capacity compared to the operator’s current services.

Louise Cheeseman, managing director at Hull Trains, commented: “We’re very excited to confirm this latest development in the investment of our new fleet.

“Now that the body of our first Class 802 is complete, we can show passengers a first glimpse of what our new services will look like.”

She added: “These trains will really transform travel from Hull and East Yorkshire to the capital and we are delighted to see the progress made so far. The images bring the trains to life from the concepts that have been released.”

The shells for the new trains are being constructed at Hitachi Rail’s manufacturing plant in Japan. From there they will be shipped to Hitachi’s site in Italy for completion.

Speaking further, Louise said: “Following this investment we will be able to boast some of the most technologically advanced, fastest and most comfortable trains on the UK rail network.

“It is great news for our customers, who are always at the centre of our focus, and means we will provide more in terms of service, as well as potentially reduce journey times.”

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