Latest Hitachi train to replace East Coast electric fleet 

The East Coast’s electric train fleet is being replaced with the latest Hitachi trains in the Intercity Express Programme (IEP), the Government says.

The Hitachi class 800 trains, which can travel at 125mph will operate from 2019.

The move follows a decision to replace the ageing Intercity 125 diesel fleet with the same trains. 

Travellers will enjoy faster journeys, more seats and greater comfort. Journey times between London and York could be cut by 13 minutes with millions of extra seats each year.

The new trains will have longer carriages and greater seating capacity, more leg room and luggage space.
  

There will also be environmental benefits such as better energy efficiency and reduced noise.

The investment means that the entire Intercity East Coast fleet will have the same family of trains for the first time.  

The Hitachi trains will be built in Co Durham with one delivered each week from summer 2018 to December 2019.