Hull Trains#Services

{{Infobox Rail companies

|name = Hull Trains

|bgcolor =

|logo_filename = HullTrains2015.svg

|logo_size = 200

|image_filename = Hull_Trains_class_802.jpg

|caption = A Class 802 Paragon at Doncaster in February 2024

|image_size = 300

|franchise = Open access operator
Not subject to franchising
25 September 2000 – December 2032

|nameforarea =

|regions = {{ubl|East Midlands|Greater London|Yorkshire & the Humber}}

|secregions = East of England

|abbr = HT

|stations =

|fleet = Class 802 Paragon

|parent_company = FirstGroup

|website = {{Official URL}}

|map = File:First Hull Trains route map 2010.svg

}}

Hull Trains{{cite web |url=http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/03715410 |title = Hull Trains Company Limited, number: 3715410 |publisher = Companies House |access-date = 18 May 2022}} is an open-access railway operator in England owned by the multinational transport company FirstGroup.{{cite web |title = FirstGroup plc Annual Report and accounts 2015 |url=http://www.firstgroupplc.com/~/media/Files/F/Firstgroup-Plc/indexed-pdfs/2015/firstgroup-annual-report-2015.pdf |url-status = live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203094036/http://www.firstgroupplc.com/~/media/Files/F/Firstgroup-Plc/indexed-pdfs/2015/firstgroup-annual-report-2015.pdf |archive-date = 3 February 2016 |access-date = 24 June 2021 |publisher = First Group PLC}} It operates long-distance passenger services between Hull Paragon / Beverley and London King's Cross. It has a track-access agreement until December 2032.

Hull Trains was originally established in 1999 in the aftermath of the privatisation of British Rail in response to the low volume of trains between Hull and London King's Cross operated by the incumbent franchise InterCity East Coast. Their initial track-access agreement was granted in December 1999, permitting operations to be launched on 25 September 2000. Hull Trains' track-access agreement has been extended multiple times since commencing operations. Ownership was originally divided between an 80 per cent stake held by the train operating company (TOC) GB Railways, while the former British Rail managers Mike Jones and John Nelson held the remainder. A majority stake in the company was acquired by FirstGroup in August 2003, leading to its rebranding as First Hull Trains five years later. FirstGroup made it a wholly-owned subsidiary by buying out the other shareholder in the venture during August 2014; that same year, the Hull Trains name was readopted.

Hull Trains initially ran three services per day; in response to passenger numbers, this was progressively expanded to as many as seven services per day by December 2006. In addition to increasing service frequency, the number of cars per train was also raised to boost capacity. Hull Trains initially operated a small fleet of three-car Class 170 Turbostar diesel multiple units (DMUs); six years later, it exchanged these for four-car Class 222 Pioneer DMUs, followed by several five-car Class 180 Adelante DMUs and InterCity 125 HST sets. Early services were limited to a maximum speed of {{convert|100|mph|abbr=on}}, but the introduction of the Class 222 enabled speeds to be raised to {{convert|125|mph|abbr=on}}. {{As of|2022}}, Hull Trains' services are operated by a fleet of five Class 802 Paragon bi-mode multiple units (BMUs). In 2020 and 2021, multiple temporary suspensions of service were enacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Regular services resumed on 12 April 2021.

History

In 1999, there was only one through train per day each way between Hull Paragon and London King's Cross, GNER's Hull Executive. During May 1999, former British Rail managers Mike Jones and John Nelson lodged an application to operate an open-access service through their Renaissance Trains business.{{cite magazine |title = New operator plans London-Hull trains |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 357 |date = 19 May 1999 |page = 5}} A joint venture was formed with the train operating company (TOC) GB Railways, which took an 80% shareholding, while Jones and Nelson each held a 10% stake in the new entity.{{cite magazine |title = Joint venture for London-Hull trains |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 365 |date = 8 September 1999 |page = 8}}{{cite news |title = GB buys into Hull Trains |work = Rail Business Intelligence |issue = 111 |date = 30 September 1999 |page = 5}}{{cite magazine |title= Renaissance and GB Railways join to form Hull Trains Co | magazine = Rail Express |issue=41 |date=October 1999|page=7}}

In December 1999, a four-year track-access agreement was granted to Hull Trains by the Office of Rail Regulation. According to rail industry periodical Rail Express, the application had been vigorously resisted by the incumbent train operators, such as West Anglia Great Northern. Furthermore, national infrastructure owner Railtrack had allegedly demonstrated a poor ability in identifying potential paths for the service. In Hull Trains' favour was the support of several prominent figures, including members of parliament, who were keen to support an initiative that would provide Hull with improved transportation.

On 25 September 2000, Hull Trains officially launched its operations with its first service departing King's Cross station.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains – Three services just the start |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 374 |date = 12 January 2000 |page = 5}}{{cite magazine |title = New link launched from Hull to London |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 392 |date = 20 September 2000 |page = 14}} Early passenger numbers were encouraging. However, an early blow to the company came in the form of widespread disruption resulting from the Hatfield rail crash; months of speed limitations and temporary line closures heavily impacted services, albeit softened somewhat by compensation payments for lost income issued by Railtrack.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/happy-10th-birthday-hull-trains |title = Happy 10th Birthday for Hull Trains |magazine = Rail Express |date = 23 September 2010 |access-date = 26 September 2012 |archive-date = 16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716021944/http://www.railexpress.co.uk/news/happy-10th-birthday-hull-trains |url-status = dead }}

In its first year of operation, Hull Trains reportedly carried roughly 80,000 passengers.{{cite web |url=https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/your-experience/hull-trains-anniversary |title = 21 Years of Hull Trains |publisher = hulltrains.co.uk |access-date = 26 May 2022}} During September 2002, Hull Trains' track-access agreement was extended by ten years.{{cite press release |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207100344/http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pr05-02.htm |url=http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pr05-02.htm |title = Ten Year Access Granted |url-status = dead |publisher = Hull Trains |archive-date = 7 February 2003 |date = 18 June 2002}}

In August 2003, through the purchase of GB Railways by the British transport conglomerate FirstGroup in exchange for £22{{nbsp}}million, the latter business took possession of their majority shareholding in Hull Trains.Hull Trains Company Limited Annual Accounts 2002{{cite press release |url=http://www.firstgroup.com/corpfirst/press/archive.php?id=120&action=view&year=2003&month=08 |title = GB Rail Offer Unconditional |publisher = FirstGroup |date = 14 August 2003 |access-date = 25 November 2021 |archive-date = 18 December 2003 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20031218003645/http://www.firstgroup.com/corpfirst/press/archive.php?id=120&action=view&year=2003&month=08 |url-status = bot: unknown }}{{cite magazine |title = First Group buys GB for $22million |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1229 |date = September 2003 |page = 10}}{{cite magazine |title = GB Railways is bought by First Group for £22 million |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 88 |date = September 2003 |page = 8}} During 2005, Hull Trains celebrated carrying its one-millionth passenger.

In June 2008, Hull Trains was rebranded as First Hull Trains, as well as adopting FirstGroup's corporate blue, pink and white colours as its livery.{{cite news |url=http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pdfs/pio7.pdf |title = The Pioneer |issue = 7 |publisher = First Hull Trains |date =Spring 2008 |access-date = 4 June 2008 |archive-date = 21 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121080250/http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pdfs/pio7.pdf |url-status = dead }} During January 2009, the firm's access rights were extended until December 2014,{{cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9430 |title = ORR announces its proposed decision on East Coast Main Line track access applications |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = 29 January 2009 |access-date = 29 January 2009 |archive-date = 11 November 2010 |archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20101111051306/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9430 |url-status = dead }} and in February 2010, these rights were further extended until December 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9949 |title = ORR Approves East Coast Main Line track access applications |publisher = Office of Rail Regulation |date = 11 February 2010 |access-date = 31 August 2012 |archive-date = 4 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904160942/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.9949 |url-status = dead }} That same year, its services comprised 1.25 million seats annually.

In August 2014, FirstGroup purchased the remaining 20% shareholding in the business. In January 2015, the track access agreement was extended until December 2019.{{cite press release |url=http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/about-us/news/2014/2015/01/first-hull-trains-records-a-record-year-and-secures-three-year-extension-to-run-services-until-2019/ |title = First Hull Trains records a record year and secures three-year extension to run services until 2019 |publisher = First Hull Trains |date = 20 January 2015 |accessdate = 15 March 2015 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402093636/http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/about-us/news/2014/2015/01/first-hull-trains-records-a-record-year-and-secures-three-year-extension-to-run-services-until-2019 | archivedate = 2 April 2015}} That same year, the firm also resumed trading as Hull Trains. During March 2016, First Hull Trains obtained approval for a further 10-year open-access agreement until 2029,{{cite news |url=http://www.europeanrailwayreview.com/26944/rail-industry-news/first-hull-trains-track-access-extended/ |title = First Hull Trains track access extended until 2029 |date = 23 March 2016 |work = European Railway Review |access-date = 6 April 2016}} allowing it to proceed with ordering five Class 802 electro-diesel multiple-unit trains which had been announced by the operator on 3 September 2015.{{cite magazine |title = Electrification delays force Hull Trains to go bi-mode |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 781 |date = 19 August 2015 |page = 14}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains plans bi-mode fleet |magazine = Modern Railways |issue = 804 |date = September 2015 |page = 9}}

In 2017, Hull Trains was named the Best UK Train Operator, having scored a 97% satisfaction rate for its services, according to the National Rail Passenger Survey.

At late March 2020, Hull Trains temporarily suspended all services due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |title = Coronavirus |url=https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/travel-information/coronavirus |access-date = 29 March 2020 |publisher = First Hull Trains}} Throughout the pandemic, there was concern that the company would be unable to survive without help from the government.{{cite news |title = Hull Trains faces a struggle to survive |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/06/23/hull-trains-faces-struggle-to-survive/ |access-date = 8 September 2020 |date = 23 June 2020 |work = Business Traveller}} However, Hull Trains was able to resume services on 21 August 2020.{{CN|date=March 2025}} In October 2020, a three-year extension on Hull Trains' access rights was granted.{{cite web |date = 20 October 2020 |title = Hull Trains Company Limited 19th SA decision letter |url=https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2020-10/s22-hull-trains-19th-sa-decision-letter.pdf |access-date = 18 July 2021 |website = Office of Rail and Road}}

Following the implementation of a second lockdown directed by the British government, Hull Trains announced on 2 November 2020 that it would once again be temporarily suspending all services from 5 November 2020.{{cite news |last = Riley |first = Anna |date =2 November 2020 |title = Hull Trains suspends all services as second lockdown announced |url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/hull-trains-suspends-services-lockdown-4662714 |access-date = 3 November 2020 |newspaper = Hull Daily Mail}} After the second lockdown ended, Hull Trains resumed service on 3 December 2020 with a limited timetable.{{cite news |title = Hull Trains to resume services following lockdown pause |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/news/yorkshire/hull-trains-to-resume-services-following-lockdown-pause |date = 2 December 2020 |access-date = 3 December 2020 |website = Insider Media |first = Stephen |last = Farrell}} Following a third lockdown's implementation, Hull Trains announced on 5 January 2021 that it would be once again temporarily suspending all services from 9 January 2021.{{cite news |date=5 January 2021 |title=Hull Trains cancels all Hull to London trains as third lockdown takes a hit |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/01/hull-trains-cancels-all-hull-to-london-trains-as-third-lockdown-takes-a-hit.html |access-date=8 January 2021 |work= RailAdvent}} Regular services resumed on 12 April 2021.{{cite news |date = 1 March 2021 |title = Hull Trains announce return date for Hull Paragon to London Kings Cross trains |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/03/hull-trains-announce-return-date-for-hull-paragon-to-london-kings-cross-trains.html |access-date = 1 March 2021 |work = RailAdvent}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains resumes East Coast Main Line passenger services |url=https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/hull-trains-resumes-east-coast-main-line-passenger-services |access-date = 12 April 2021 |magazine =Rail Magazine}}

In August 2021 the track access agreement was extended until December 2032.{{cite web |url=https://www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2021-08/consolidated-agreement-hull-trains-company-limited.pdf | title = Track Access Contract (Passenger Services) | date = 2 August 2021 | access-date = 22 December 2022 | publisher = Office of Rail and Road}}

Services

class="wikitable"

|+Hull Trains

! Route !! {{abbr|tpd|trains per day}} !! Intermediate stops

{{rws|London King's Cross}} to Hull Paragon

{{cslist|{{rws|Stevenage}} (limited), {{rws|Grantham}}, {{rws|Retford}}, {{rws|Doncaster}}, {{rws|Selby}}, {{rws|Howden}}, {{rws|Brough}}}}

4 trains per day on Sundays. Stevenage is served by 2 trains on Sundays for set down southbound / 1 train pick up northbound only

London King's Cross to {{rws|Beverley}}

{{cslist|Stevenage, Grantham, Retford, Doncaster, Selby, Howden, Brough, Hull Paragon, {{rws|Cottingham}}}}

1 train per day at weekends and some Bank Holidays. Retford is not called at on first Saturday southbound service.

Hull Trains began operating three services per day on 25 September 2000. In December 2002, a fourth daily service started, followed by a fifth in May 2004, a sixth in May 2005, and a seventh in December 2006.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains starts fifth London train |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 486 |date = 28 April 2004 |page = 13}}{{cite magazine |title = Six trans a day for HT |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 515 |date = 8 June 2005 |page = 13}}

On 4 February 2015, one service per weekday was extended from Hull Paragon to Beverley in each direction.{{cite web |url=http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/about-us/news/2014/2015/2015/02/mp-delighted-at-new-direct-train-service-from-beverley-to-london/#.VSw0oxzIz40 |title = MP delighted at new direct train service from Beverley to London |publisher = First Hull Trains |date = 3 February 2015}} In December 2015, one service was extended to Beverley at weekends.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains proposes weekends to Beverley |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 785 |date = 14 October 2015 |page = 11}}{{cite news |last1 = Burton |first1 = James |title = New weekend service for direct rail link to capital |newspaper = Hull Daily Mail |date = 5 December 2015 |page = 2 }} In May 2019, a further service in each direction was extended from Hull Paragon to Beverley on weekdays.{{cite web |title = Application to the Office of Rail Regulation for a passenger track access agreement, or amendment to a passenger track access agreement under sections 17-22A of the Railways Act 1993 |url=https://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/40975/s22-hull-trains-11th-sa-application-form.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417070320/https://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/40975/s22-hull-trains-11th-sa-application-form.pdf |archive-date = 17 April 2019 |access-date = 17 April 2019 |website = orr.gov.uk}}{{cite web |url=https://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/hull-trains-to-run-additional-services |title = Hull Trains to run additional services |work = Insider Media |date = 13 May 2019 |access-date = 15 May 2019}}{{cite magazine |title = More HT services for Beverley |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 211 |date = July 2019 |page = 16}}

Expansion proposals

= 2001: Cleethorpes =

In September 2001, Hull Trains announced initial proposals for a direct service from Cleethorpes to London King's Cross, calling at Grimsby, Barnetby, Market Rasen, Lincoln, Sleaford, Spalding and Peterborough.{{cite press release |date=27 September 2001 |title=Proposed new service for North Lincolnshire |url= http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pr27sep01-2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20021225131739/http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pr27sep01-2.htm |archive-date=25 December 2002 |access-date=12 August 2024 |publisher=Hull Trains}}

= 2008: Harrogate and Cleethorpes =

In 2008, First Hull Trains applied for track access rights to run services between Harrogate and London King's Cross via York under the First Harrogate Trains banner and from Cleethorpes to King's Cross via Lincoln and Spalding.{{cite web |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s18-ECML-Hull_Trains.pdf |title = Hull Trains – Track Access Rights on the East coast Main Line |publisher = Office of the Rail Regulator |date = 19 March 2008 |access-date = 7 April 2008 |archive-date = 25 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080625114115/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/s18-ECML-Hull_Trains.pdf |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine |title = Three companies want East Coast paths |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 78 |date = June 2008 |page = 6}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains applies to serve Harrogate four times a day |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 594 |date = 18 June 2008 |page = 12}} In January 2009, the Office of Rail Regulation released its decisions on the ECML route planning and rejected First Harrogate Trains' application.{{cite magazine |title = Grand Northern set for Bradford |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 611 |date = 11 February 2009 |page = 20}}

=2024: Sheffield=

On 5 January 2024, Hull Trains announced that it had submitted an application for a new service between London King's Cross and Sheffield.{{cite press release |title=FirstGroup applies to run new London to Sheffield rail service |url= https://www.firstgroupplc.com/news-and-media/latest-news/2024/firstgroup-applies-to-run-new-london-to-sheffield-rail-service.aspx |access-date=5 January 2024 |publisher= FirstGroup |location= London |date=5 January 2024}}{{cite news |date=5 January 2024 |title=Sheffield-London train service plans revealed by FirstGroup |url= https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-67891067 |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=BBC News }} The trains would also serve Woodhouse and Worksop. The company plans to start this service in the second half of 2025.

Rolling stock

File:HullTrainsHitachi802.jpg at Hull Paragon in 2019 ]]

= Current fleet =

In September 2015, Hull Trains announced a £60{{nbsp}}million order for five new five-car bi-mode high-speed trains from Hitachi Rail with seating for 320 people.{{cite magazine |last1 = Clinnick |first1 = Richard |date = 3 July 2019 |title = Hull Trains expect November start for new Class 802/3s |magazine = Rail Magazine|location = Peterborough |issue = 882 |page = 32 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-34139134 |title = Hull rail firm to buy 140mph trains |date = 3 September 2015 |work = BBC News |access-date = 8 September 2015}} In its proposed track access application, Hull Trains confirmed that these would be Class 802.{{cite report |url=http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/19489/hull-trains-limited-s17-hull-trains-response-to-network-rail-representations.pdf |title = Proposed Track Access Contract Between Network Rail Infrastructure Limited and Hull Trains Company Limited under Section 17 of the Railways Act 1993 |date = 7 October 2015 |publisher = Office of Rail and Road |page = 8 |access-date = 7 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092023/http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/19489/hull-trains-limited-s17-hull-trains-response-to-network-rail-representations.pdf |section = 3.2 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 4 March 2016}} In August 2019, Hull Trains announced that it would branding its new trains as the 'Paragon' fleet.{{cite press release |url=https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/news/2019/hull-trains-reveals-name-of-new-fleet |title = Hull Trains reveals name of new fleet |publisher = Hull Trains |access-date = 28 August 2019 |year = 2019}} The first unit entered service on 5 December 2019, with the Class 180 fleet not seeing service again following service suspension on 19 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |url=https://www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2019/12/09/hull-trains-debuts-hitachi-built-paragon-trainsets/ |title = Hull Trains debuts Hitachi-built Paragon trainsets |website = Business Traveller |access-date = 31 December 2019}}

In the Class 802 units, coach A is standard seating with wheelchair accommodation, coach B and coach C are both standard seating, coach D is both standard- and first-class seating and coach E is completely first-class seating with wheelchair accommodation.{{cite web |url=https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/your-experience/benefits-of-travelling-with-us |title = The Benefits of Travelling with Us |publisher = Hull Trains |access-date = 31 December 2019}} The units do not have a cafe bar compared to the Class 180 units they replaced.{{cite web |url=https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/your-experience/new-trains |title = New High Speed Trains {{!}} Paragon |publisher = Hull Trains |access-date = 3 January 2020}}

class="wikitable"

---- bgcolor="#f9f9f9"

! rowspan="2" |Family

! rowspan="2" | Class

! rowspan="2" |Image

! rowspan="2" | Type

! colspan="2" | Top speed

! rowspan="2" | Qty.

! rowspan="2" | Cars

! rowspan="2" | Routes operated

! rowspan="2" | Built

---- bgcolor="#f9f9f9"

! mph

! km/h

rowspan="2" |Hitachi
AT300

| rowspan="2" |802 Paragon

| rowspan="2" |150x150px

|BMU

|124

|200{{cite magazine |title=Speed limiters for Hitachi fleets |magazine=The Railway Magazine |issue=1457 |date=August 2022 |page=92 |volume=168 |department=Traction & Stock }}

|Beverley / Hull Paragon – London King's Cross

|2017{{ndash}}20

colspan="7" |549x549px

class="wikitable mw-collapsible" !Unit Number !Name{{cite web \|title=Name That Train \| publisher = Hull Trains \|url=https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/your-experience/name-that-train \|access-date=8 May 2023 \|website=www.hulltrains.co.uk}}
802301 \|Amy Johnson
802302 \|Jean Bishop (The Bee Lady)
802303 \|Land of Green Ginger
802304 \|William Wilberforce
802305 \|The Humber Bridge

class="wikitable mw-collapsible"

!Unit Number

!Name{{cite web |title=Name That Train | publisher = Hull Trains |url=https://www.hulltrains.co.uk/your-experience/name-that-train |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=www.hulltrains.co.uk}}

802301

|Amy Johnson

802302

|Jean Bishop (The Bee Lady)

802303

|Land of Green Ginger

802304

|William Wilberforce

802305

|The Humber Bridge

= Past fleet =

File:Hull Trains 222 approaches Doncaster on 4th September 2007.jpg at Doncaster in 2007]]

When Hull Trains was initially established, one early obstacle was a shortage of viable rolling stock. Brush Traction was approached with a request to build additional Class 43 power cars, but this proved to be uneconomic due to the need for extensive updates to comply with up-to-date safety legislation; instead, successful negotiations were completed to lease 3-car Class 170 Turbostars from sister GB Railways company Anglia Railways. Hull Trains commenced operations on 25 September 2000 with a fleet of Class 170 trains. There was at least one occurrence of an Anglia Railways Class 86 and Mark 2 set operating as far as Doncaster.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains uses Anglia 86 on ECML after 170 failure |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 428 |date = 6 February 2002 |page = 53}}{{cite magazine |title = GB Rail runs Class 86 and push-pull set on ECML |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1211 |date = March 2002 |page = 33}}

When the Strategic Rail Authority changed its policy on allowing train operating company assets to be hired out, Hull Trains needed to acquire its own fleet. It ordered four 3-car Class 170 Turbostars, the first entering service in March 2004.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains takes 170s |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 485 |date = 14 April 2004 |page = 29}} These were intended only as an interim solution as four 4-car Class 222 Pioneers were ordered at the same time, but because the former were part of a speculative order already placed by Porterbrook they would be available in time.{{cite press release |url=http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pr08-02.htm|title=New Trains for Hull Trains As Company Announces Million Investment |publisher = Hull Trains |date = 20 September 2002 |url-status = dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030124012806/http://www.hulltrains.co.uk/pr08-02.htm |archive-date = 24 January 2003}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains buys 222s and 170s from Bombardier |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 445 |date = 2 October 2002 |page = 9}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains goes for Voyager-style units |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1219 |date = November 2002 |page = 9}}{{cite magazine |title = New trains for Hull Trains |magazine = Entrain |issue = 11 |date = November 2002 |page = 15}}

The Class 170 Turbostars entered service in March 2004. It was planned that after being replaced, they would then be used on new services, but these services were never introduced, so the Class 170 trains were transferred to First ScotRail.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains Class 170s heading for Scotland |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1244 |page = 64}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains Class 170s now in Scotland |magazine = Rail Magazine |issue = 516 |date = 22 June 2005 |page = 10}} The Class 222 Pioneers entered service from May 2005.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains' 125mph Pioneer starts East Coast service |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 515 |date = 8 June 2012 |page = 8}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1252 |date = August 2005 |page = 95}} Their introduction allowed for the maximum speed of Hull Trains' services to be increased from {{convert|100|to|125|mph|abbr=on}}, both shortening journey times and being more easy to slot around high speed services on the East Coast Main Line.

File:180113 at Peterborough.jpg at Peterborough in 2011]]

During 2006, the number of first class passenger seats on each train was increased from 22 to 33 by reconfiguring their interiors, which included the removal of some standard class seating. In January 2007, a Class 222 Pioneer was damaged when it was dropped off a maintenance jack; it would ultimately take two years to repair.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains short of stock as unit falls from jacks |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 558 |date = 31 January 2007 |page = 15}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains Pioneer damaged after lifting jack collapses |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1271 |date = March 2007 |page = 11}} After a period of making do with only three trains, in January 2008 a Class 86 electric locomotive was hired from the AC Locomotive Group to haul a set of Mark 3s hired from Cargo-D for weekend London King's Cross to Doncaster services.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains presses 86101 into action |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 576 |date = 10 October 2007 |page = 20}}{{cite magazine |title = Preserved 86 enters service with Hull Trains |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 584 |date = 30 January 2008 |page = 11}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains replaces Class 86 with Class 180 |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1286 |date = June 2008 |page = 74}}

The first set of five-car Class 180 Adelante units entered service with First Hull Trains in April 2008. In total, four sets were introduced releasing the locomotive-hauled fleet and the three Class 222 Pioneer sets.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains takes delivery of first 180 |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 588 |date = 26 March 2008 |page = 62}}{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains to go all Adelante |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 153 |date = February 2009 |page = 4}} The latter was transferred to East Midlands Trains along with the unit that was damaged.{{cite magazine |title = 222/1s for EMT |magazine = Today's Railways UK |issue = 86 |date = February 2009 |page = 57}}

The Class 180s enabled First Hull Trains to provide more capacity by its additional carriage, but when the units first arrived they were plagued by technical difficulties, and a period of poor reliability for the company followed. However, reliability later improved and the Class 180s were also given a refresh internally with new seat covers and a deep clean. New catering facilities for first class were also provided, and externally the units were repainted in FirstGroup's neon blue livery.

Following further reliability problems with the Class 180s, an InterCity 125 HST set was hired from Great Western Railway in February 2019.{{cite magazine |title = HST enters service with Hull Trains |magazine = Rail Express |issue = 265 |date = April 2019 |page = 79}} In April 2019, Hull Trains introduced another HST set to its network following more reliability problems.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/hull-trains-loans-another-high-speed-train-as-it-waits-for-arrival-of-new-60m-hitachi-fleet |title = Hull Trains loans another high-speed train as it waits for arrival of new £60m Hitachi fleet |magazine = Rail Technology Magazine |date = 8 April 2019 |access-date = 16 April 2021}} Both of these HST sets returned to GWR in December 2019.{{sfn|Beardsley|2020|p=41}}

Following the introduction of the Class 802 units, the Class 180 units were transferred in stages to East Midlands Railway to replace EMR's three six-carriage HSTs inherited from Grand Central. The first two units transferred to Derby Etches Park in January 2020 after a period in storage at Crofton Depot,{{cite magazine |title = EMR receives its first class 180s |magazine = Rail Magazine |date = 29 January 2020 |issue = 897 |page = 33 |publisher = Bauer Media |location = Peterborough |issn = 0953-4563}} and the final two followed in summer 2020.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

class="wikitable" !Family !Class !Image !Built !Number !Withdrawn !Notes
colspan="7" \|Loco-Hauled Stock
rowspan="3" \| \|Class 86 \|150px \|1965–1966 \|1 \| rowspan="3" \|2008 \| rowspan="3" \|Replaced by Class 180 Adelante
Mark 3 \|150px \|1975–1988 \|5
Driving Van Trailer \|150px \|1988 \|1
rowspan="2" \|InterCity 125 \|Class 43 \|150px \|1975–1982 \| rowspan="2" \|2 sets formed of 5 carriages each \| rowspan="2" \|2019 \| rowspan="2" \|
Mark 3 \|150px \|1975–1988
colspan="7" \|Multiple Unit
Bombardier Turbostar \|Class 170 \|150px \|1999–2004 \| rowspan="2" \|4 \|2005 \|Replaced by Class 222 Pioneer
Bombardier Voyager \|Class 222 Pioneer \|150px \|2005 \|2009 \|Replaced by Class 180 Adelante
rowspan="2" \|Alstom Coradia \| rowspan="2" \|Class 180 Adelante \| rowspan="2" \|150px \| 2000–2001 \| 5 \| 2020 \|Replaced by Class 802 Paragon
colspan="4" \|700x700px

class="wikitable"

!Family

!Class

!Image

!Built

!Number

!Withdrawn

!Notes

colspan="7" |Loco-Hauled Stock

rowspan="3" |

|Class 86

|150px

|1965–1966

| rowspan="3" |2008

| rowspan="3" |Replaced by Class 180 Adelante

|1975–1988

|1988

rowspan="2" |InterCity 125

|Class 43

|150px

|1975–1982

| rowspan="2" |2 sets formed of 5 carriages each

| rowspan="2" |2019

| rowspan="2" |

Mark 3

|150px

|1975–1988

colspan="7" |Multiple Unit

Bombardier Turbostar

|Class 170

|150px

|1999–2004

| rowspan="2" |4

|2005

|Replaced by Class 222 Pioneer

Bombardier Voyager

|Class 222 Pioneer

|150px

|2005

|2009

|Replaced by Class 180 Adelante

rowspan="2" |Alstom Coradia

| rowspan="2" |Class 180 Adelante

| rowspan="2" |150px

| 2000–2001

| 5

| 2020

|Replaced by Class 802 Paragon

colspan="4" |700x700px

Depots

Maintenance of the Class 180 Adelantes was undertaken at Old Oak Common Depot alongside First Great Western's fleet until this depot closed in 2018.{{cite magazine |title = Hull Trains to maintain Adelantes at Old Oak |magazine = Rail Magazine|issue = 639 |date = 10 March 2010 |page = 28}}{{cite magazine |title = Old Oak to maintain Adelantes |magazine = The Railway Magazine |issue = 1309 |date = May 2010 |page = 81}} Two sets (or occasionally three if there were no sets on maintenance) were stabled and serviced each night in Hull sidings by Hull Trains staff (where there were usually two fitters on at night to undertake basic fault repair and diagnostics) with fuelling and emptying of toilet tanks being undertaken at Arriva Rail North's Botanic Gardens TMD. The third service set was stabled at either Bounds Green or Old Oak Common as service requirements dictated. A day fitter was based at Hull from Bombardier at Crofton TMD.

The Class 802s are maintained by Hitachi at Bounds Green depot{{sfn|Beardsley|2020|p=38}} with overnight servicing continuing to take place at Northern Trains' Hull Botanic Gardens TMD.

References

=Citations=

=Sources=

{{cite magazine |last = Beardsley |first = Ian |title = It's never dull in Hull |magazine = Today's Railways |date = December 2020 |issue = 226 |publisher = Platform 5 |location = Sheffield |issn = 1475-9713}}