GWR’s Intercity Express trains begin testing
Posted: 11 August 2017 | Global Railway Review | No comments yet
Hitachi has begun testing the Class 802 fleet, with the first of Great Western Railway’s Intercity Express Trains for Devon and Cornwall carrying out test runs in Somerset, between Bruton and Cogload.


Class 802 at Stoke Gifford (Bristol) depot
From 2018 this fleet of Class 802 Intercity Express Trains, which is being financed by Eversholt Rail, will connect London Paddington to Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance and many more communities.
“This is an exciting milestone for our team as we ensure the trains are delivered on time and in top condition,” said Berry Sas, Projects Director at Hitachi Rail Europe. “Passengers and enthusiasts will be able to catch glimpses of the new trains as they begin regular test runs in the region.”
Part of GWR’s new Intercity fleet, the 36 Class 802s are fitted with bi-mode technology, allowing trains to use both diesel and electric power, ensuring passengers experience new trains as soon as possible. They arrived in the UK from Hitachi’s depot in Japan back in June. Passengers will also benefit from more seats, better on-board facilities and shorter journey times with the Intercity Express trains.
These trains will help us deliver faster, more frequent services into the South West, each providing up to a fifth more seats per train”
“We know how important the railway is to the economies and communities of the South West, and the start of testing today marks another milestone in delivering the improvements we know our passengers wish to see,” added Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of GWR. “These trains will help us deliver faster, more frequent services into the South West, each providing up to a fifth more seats per train.”
Two more Intercity Express trains are due to arrive in the South West within the coming weeks as part of a comprehensive test programme.
NEW REPORT FROM GLOBAL RAILWAY REVIEW: Track Insight – Track Maintenance | Transforming Track Maintenance Through Technology
Our latest expert-led Track Insight explores how industry leaders are revolutionising the future of track maintenance through cutting-edge innovation and real-world strategies.
From automation and robotics now streamlining inspections and repairs, to predictive maintenance powered by IoT sensors and advanced analytics, the rail sector is entering a new era of precision and efficiency. Companies like Goldschmidt, Bentley Systems, and MxV Rail are leading the charge, redefining how infrastructure is managed with AI, machine learning, and digital twins to reduce downtime and extend asset life.
In this new data-rich landscape, organisations such as Amtrak and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are demonstrating how to turn vast streams of information—from track geometry to environmental monitoring into actionable intelligence for safer, smarter networks.
Download this insightful, practical guide for FREE and see how your operations can evolve – READ FOR FREE NOW!
Related topics
Electrification & Cabling, Infrastructure Developments, Passenger Experience/Satisfaction, Rolling Stock Orders/Developments