End in sight to major disruption on rail services from Cornwall to London
A recovery plan has been agreed after cracks were found in some high-speed Hitachi trains
A recovery plan has been agreed following major disruption on high-speed rail services between Cornwall and London.
Hitachi 800s were pulled from service across the UK, after cracks were discovered in some trains.
Transpennine Express, Hull Trains and ScotRail have been able to operate services on all routes since last weekend.
Now Great Western Railway has confirmed it is able to run some extra services from today (Thursday 13th May).
However some routes could be less frequent and train availability may vary, so passengers are being urged to check before they travel, because
GWR added that it will reintroduce more consistent and robust timetables for customers after the weekend.
What is the Service Recovery Plan?
The service recovery plan follows joint work between Hitachi Rail, train operators and the regulator around the safe return to service of some trains.
Since discovering the faults, Hitachi Rail engineers and independent experts have completed rigorous tests and research to gain a clearer understanding of the cracking issue.
Based on the work undertaken to understand the issue, and after extensive engagement, Hitachi Rail and train operators, working with the rail regulator, have put in place suitable criteria for the trains to meet before they can re-enter service.
The service recovery plan includes thorough inspections by specialist teams before trains leave the depot. Trains will only re-enter service if they meet agreed safety criteria. Working with Hitachi Rail, the rail regulator will continue to carry out rigorous oversight to ensure robust processes are being followed.
Over time, trains will be subject to a Forward Repair Plan, which will ensure the long-term continued safe running of the fleet.
"Today's agreement sets out our joint plan for the phased reintroduction of our trains into service, which will continue to deliver the highest possible safety standards.
"Safety remains our number one priority, and we and our partners have worked round the clock to agree an approach that allows the return of trains to service where they have been deemed safe.
"With our service recovery plan now underway, the operators will begin reintroduction of trains as they are individually approved and deemed safe.
"We would like to thank our partners for their ongoing support as we work collectively to reintroduce more trains into service".
Andrew Barr, Group CEO of Hitachi Rail
Mark Hopwood, GWR Managing Director, said: "Our customers have shown great patience over the past couple of days, and I am grateful for their understanding as we have worked with Hitachi to allow trains to return safely.
"This news will allow us to run some additional services today and reintroduce more consistent robust timetables for customers after the weekend.
"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".
Mark Hopwood, GWR Managing Director
You can check which services are running and plan your journey here.