Intercity Express Programme

The programme to procure a replacement for the Intercity 125 fleet was launched by the DfT in 2005.{{sfn|Foster|2010|p=3|loc = Executive Summary - Background and timeline}}Intercity rail travel presentation to the Institute of Mechanical engineers, Slide 16. In March 2007, the DfT published an OJEU notice (2007/S 48-059536,Invitation to Tender (op. cit.). 2.1.1 Overview of the Procurement{{cite web |url = http://www.eib.org/projects/pipeline/2007/20070153.htm |title = IEP - Intercity Express Programme |publisher = European Investment Bank |date = 21 January 2008}}{{cite web |url = http://gb.mofcom.gov.cn/accessory/200704/1175598506041.pdf |title = OJ/S S48 09/03/2007 59536-2007-EN, UK-London: passenger transport by railway 2007/S 48-059536 |work = Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union}} contract title: Intercity Express Programme (IEP), previously referred to as HST2) announcing its intention to seek an organisation to finance, build, construct facilities (depots) for, and maintain over a period of around 30 years a new set of high-speed trains for the UK rail network, to be used by train operating companies.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railpro.co.uk/magazine/archive/PDFs/may07legal.pdf |title = IEP not HST |first = Naomi |last = Horton |pages = 30–31 |magazine = Rail Professional |issue = May 2007}}{{cite web |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100209073519/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepojeunotice |title = IEP OJEU Notice |publisher = Department of Transport |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepojeunotice |date = 8 March 2007 |archive-date = 9 February 2010 |url-status = dead |df = dmy-all }} Initial estimates were for an order of between 500 and 2,000 vehicles.

The initial official train specifications for the tender were published in November 2007.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Document History, p. 7. Three versions of train were asked for: electrically powered via 25 kV AC 50 Hz overhead line, a self-powered version, and a 'bi-mode' version.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.1.2 Train Types, pp. 12-13.{{refn|The 'self-powered' version would get power from an in-built power source, assumed to be a diesel engine, and the 'bi-mode' version would be able to either get power from an in-built power source, or be electrically powered when on an electrified part of the rail network.{{sfn|Foster|2010| loc = Specification of IEP|p=4}}|name=name|group=note}}

The maximum allowed train length was 312 m, the minimum ('half-length') approximately 130 m. Trainsets were to be available in half-length, full-length (260 m), or intermediate-length versions, with the ability to lengthen and shorten trains in a time which would minimise that spent out of service.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.3 Train Formation and Length, p. 15. Also specified was the ability for multiple working within any vehicle of the class (two units), with the time taken to couple or uncouple being 180 seconds or better,IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.2 Multiple working, p. 14. and the ability convert a bi-mode or self-powered train to an electrically powered version in the future.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.1.3 Flexibility, p. 13. Bi-mode trains were required to be able to switch between power sources both whilst stationary and at speed. AWS, TPWS signalling was to be fitted dependent on route as well as ETCS Level 2 equipment.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 4.12 Train Control, pp. 32-34.

The tender contained proposals for trains to enter service at the beginning of 2013, with complete introduction in the first phase on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) by late 2016 and on the Great Western Main Line (GWML) by 2017.Invitation to Tender. 1.3.2 Availability Requirements, pp. 14–17. The trains were to be used on the ECML and GWML, with possible use on the southern part of the West Coast Main Line (WCML), the Fen Line, and other long distance intercity services.Invitation to Tender. 1.3 IEP Scope, p. 13. Phase 1 of the tender specified an operational fleet of 24 full- and 13 half-length electric, and 10 full- and 12 half-length trains for the ECML, 24 full-length trains (self-powered), and 38 half-length bi-mode trains for the GWML. Additional trains were expected for Phase 2 of the order: around 15 full-, 14 half-, and 10 intermediate-length trains for the ECML, WCML, GWML and Cross Country routes, as well as the potential for orders of over 20 trains from Transport Scotland.{{refn|Phase 1 represented 895 vehicles based on a 10-car full-length train. Phase 2: 498 vehicles. Additional units included the pre-series trains, and vehicles needed to cover maintenance and other contingencies. A total for phases 1 and 2 combined of around 1400 vehicles based on complete take-up of the order including WCML and Cross Country trains. Potential Transport Scotland orders were up to 29 half-length trains.|name="c1400"| group="note"}}

The maximum weight of a full-length train was 362 tonnes (electric), 385 tonnes (bi-mode) and 392 tonnes (self-powered), with expected weights of around 332, 350 and 368 tonnes respectively or better.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.6 Weight, p. 16. The minimum top speed was {{convert|125|mph|abbr=on}}, with a minimum acceleration for all subtypes in both full- and half-length formations of over {{convert|0.575|m/s2|mph/s|abbr=on}} from starting to over {{convert|50|km/h|abbr=on}}.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.7 Performance, pp. 16-18.

The specification required significant improvements in energy efficiency over InterCity 125 trainsets that were fitted with MTU engines and electric Intercity 225 trainsets; regenerative braking on both self-powered and electric versions was expected to form part of the solution to increase efficiency.IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.8 Efficiency & Environment, pp. 18-20. Mean distances between failure were expected to be better than 60,000 miles (electric power) and 30,000 miles (self-powered mode).IEP-TEHC-REQ-35. Section 3.17 Reliability, pp. 23-24.

In November 2007, a contract award was expected in late 2008 or early 2009, with service trials beginning in 2012, and the trains in service on the GWML and ECML by 2015. The first tranche was expected to be for approximately 850 vehicles, with a maximum of 1500 vehicles subject to further orders being given.

On 16 November 2007, the Department for Transport issued its IEP Invitation to Tender to three shortlisted entities: Alstom-Barclays Rail Group; Express Rail Alliance (Bombardier, Siemens, Angel Trains and Babcock & Brown);{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/intercity-express-design-unveiled.html |title = Intercity Express design unveiled |date = 11 September 2008 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London}}{{Cite press release |url = http://finance.siemens.com/financialservices/global/en/press/press_releases/Pages/Intercity_Express_Programme.aspx?stc=dexfs120008 |title = Bombardier and Siemens join forces for Intercity Express Programme bid |date = 21 June 2007 |publisher = Siemens}} and Hitachi Europe.{{Cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/uk-calls-bids-for-intercity-express.html |title = UK calls bids for Intercity Express |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London |date = 16 November 2007 |access-date = 3 March 2011}}{{Cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepshortlist |title = Department for Transport announces shortlist for Intercity Express Programme |date = 16 August 2007 |publisher = Department for Transport |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100408181715/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepshortlist |archive-date = 8 April 2010 }} After Alstom withdrew from the bidding in February 2008,{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/alstom-withdraws-from-iep.html |title = Alstom withdraws from IEP |date = 12 February 2008 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London}} Barclays Private Equity re-entered the project on 26 June 2008, four days before the end of the bidding process, as a partner of Hitachi and John Laing, in Agility Trains.{{Cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/changetoiep |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080731034438/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/changetoiep |url-status = dead |archive-date = 31 July 2008 |title = Change to IEP short listed bidders |date = 26 June 2008 |publisher = Department for Transport |df = dmy-all}}

On 12 February 2009, the Government announced that Agility Trains was the preferred bidder for the contract, with the Siemens-Bombardier consortia as reserve bidders – the value of the contract was then estimated at £7.5bn, including replacements for both Intercity 125 and 225 trains.{{Cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/agility-trains-to-supply-super-express-fleet.html |title = Agility Trains to supply Super Express fleet |date = 12 February 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120213183821/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/agility-trains-to-supply-super-express-fleet.html |archive-date = 13 February 2012 |url-status = live |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London}} The decision was criticised for not awarding the contract to the Bombardier/Siemens offer which was expected to have resulted in work for Bombardier's Derby factory. The DfT was also accused of 'spin' in describing the Agility trains consortium as a 'British led consortium'{{Cite news |url = http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/business/2009/02/13-hitachi-backlash.html |title = Backlash against £7.5bn Hitachi contract |work = www.railnews.co.uk |location = Stevenage |date = 13 February 2009}}{{cite news

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090215135911/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trains-jobs-boost-queried-as-japan-factory-confirmed-1607428.html |archive-date = 15 February 2009

|url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/trains-jobs-boost-queried-as-japan-factory-confirmed-1607428.html |title = Trains jobs boost queried as Japan factory confirmed |newspaper = The Independent |date = 12 February 2009 |location = London |first1 = Alan |last1 = Jones |first2 = Peter |url-status = dead |last2 = Woodman}}{{refn|Hitachi (Japan) was the largest contributor to the Agility trains consortium (40%), and significant parts of the manufacturing process including bodyshells and bogies would not be located in the United Kingdom.|group=note}} and Hitachi's manufacturing plans attracted concern for reasons such as balance of payments issues, the Japanese domestic railway market being largely closed to foreign entrants, and the extent to which jobs would be safeguarded or created in the UK.{{Cite news |url = http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/news/answers-step-search-truth-vital-trains-contract/article-841438-detail/article.html |title = No answers as we step up our search for the truth over vital trains contract |newspaper = Derby Evening Telegraph |last = Johnson |first = R. |date = 25 March 2009}}

In addition to replacing trains on the ECML and GWML, a role was identified {{harv|Foster|2010a}} for the design to replace other 'intercity' trains such as on long distance services from London to places including Cambridge, Oxford, Hull and Weston-super-Mare.{{sfn|Foster|2010a|p=27}}

{{further|British Rail Class 800|British Rail Class 801}}

File:Hitachi Super Express mockup (1).jpg impression of the train offered by Agility Trains (2009)]]

The preferred bidder, Agility Trains, offered a design named the Hitachi Super Express Train.

Agility Trains claimed that the proposed designs included a reduction in weight of the train of 15–40% per seat (86 tonnes less in total than an Intercity 125), and reduction in fuel consumption of up to 15%, using a hybrid traction power supply (see also Hayabusa (experimental train)). The trains were to be supplied with either five or ten coaches, with each coach being {{cvt|26|m}}, {{cvt|3|m}} longer than British Rail Mark 3 and Mark 4 coaches.{{refn|A longer carriage allows a train of similar length to be made up of fewer carriages and thus have a lower capital cost. However, the loading gauge of a longer carriage limits where it can operate; infrastructure work may be needed before the carriage can operate over a line.{{cite book |url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/network/working%20group%203%20-%20passenger%20rolling%20stock%20and%20depots/network%20rus%20-%20passenger%20rolling%20stock.pdf |title = Network RUS — Passenger Rolling Stock |publisher = Network Rail |date = September 2011 |access-date = 29 July 2012 |pages = 16, 44 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160109135914/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/network/working%20group%203%20-%20passenger%20rolling%20stock%20and%20depots/network%20rus%20-%20passenger%20rolling%20stock.pdf |archive-date = 9 January 2016 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}|group=note}} Assembly of the trains was to take place in the UK, using Japanese-built bodyshells,{{cite press release |url = http://www.agilitytrains.com/assets/pdf/Agility_Trains_IEP_Preferred_Bidder_Announcement.pdf |title = Agility Trains announced as preferred bidder for Intercity Express Programme (IEP) |publisher = Agility Trains |date = 12 February 2009 |access-date = 12 February 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090219071536/http://www.agilitytrains.com/assets/pdf/Agility_Trains_IEP_Preferred_Bidder_Announcement.pdf |archive-date = 19 February 2009 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}{{cite press release |url = http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/090212c.html |title = Agility Trains Announced as Preferred Bidder for Intercity Express Programme |publisher = Hitachi |date = 12 February 2009}} with a new factory being established.{{cite press release |url = http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/090212d.html |title = Hitachi Announces Plans for the Establishment of UK Rolling Stock Assembly and Manufacturing Facility |publisher = Hitachi |date = 12 February 2009}} Additionally new depots for train maintenance were to be constructed.{{refn|Initially new depots were planned for Doncaster, Reading, Bristol Parkway, Leeds and North Pole (London).|group=note|name=depotmk1}}

The full- and half-length trains were to be approximately {{cvt|260|and|130|m}} respectively – the 26 m carriages were to be of aluminium construction, with the power cars of steel. The quoted tare masses for full-length trains (412.5 tonnes for the electric version) exceeded the tender's essential requirements (TS196) by up to 50 tonnes (electric version), power available for traction was quoted at 4 MW (all full-length versions), with a starting tractive effort of 400 kN, and a maximum acceleration of {{convert|0.75|m/s2|mph/s|abbr=on}}. Train seating capacity in an intercity layout was 649 in a full-length electric train, reduced to 610 in a bi-mode train and 552 in a self-powered train, with standard class seat pitches of {{convert|875|mm|in|abbr=in}} in 'airline' formation, and {{convert|1900|mm|in|abbr=in}} in bay seats. Seat pitch was reduced to {{convert|825|and|1810|mm|abbr=in}} in interurban and commuter layouts. The design had increased seating space in electrically powered versions, with driving power cars also containing passengers.{{cite web |url = http://www.agilitytrains.com/assets/pdf/AT-090205-Key_Facts-Released-1_5.pdf |title = Super Express Key Facts |publisher = Agility Trains |date = 1 March 2009 }}

The train used distributed traction; the end (driving) cars in a train would have contained either transformer and rectifier, or hybrid electrical generation apparatus and rectifier, depending on version, but would not have powered axles. The passenger carriages could be powered, with a traction converter supplied by the train's power bus, or unpowered, trailer vehicles. In ten-car trains the formation was (2'2')(Bo'Bo')(2'2')(Bo'Bo')(2'2')(Bo'Bo')(2'2')(Bo'Bo')(Bo'Bo')(2'2'), in five-car trains (2'2')(Bo'Bo')(Bo'Bo')(Bo'Bo')(2'2'). The trains could also be configured in formations from 5 to 12 carriages.{{cite web |url = http://www.agilitytrains.com/agilitytrains_caseforiep.htm |title= Case for IEP |publisher = Agility Trains |at = 7. Offer flexibility of deployment |quote = The Super Express Train can operate in any formation from 5 car to 12 car sets. An ability to re-marshal the trains into different lengths and configurations ... |access-date = 13 March 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110707093612/http://www.agilitytrains.com/agilitytrains_caseforiep.htm |archive-date = 7 July 2011 |url-status = dead}}

By 2010, reduced expectation of usage due to the economic downturn, as well as the expectation of electrification of much of the GWML had changed the composition of the order: the size of the order had been reduced to around 770 carriages; diesel-only trains were no longer required; some longer bi-mode trains would have a second transformer to avoid running under bi-mode power in electrified sections; and a wider variety of train lengths was required, including trains with five, seven, eight, nine and ten carriages.{{sfn|Foster|2010|pp=14-15|loc = The IEP}}{{sfn|Foster|2010a|pp=26—27}}

By the end of 2010, Hitachi's original design had been modified to use under-floor diesel engines for self-power propulsion instead of engines in end-cars;{{cite news |url = http://www.railpro.co.uk/magazine/?idArticles=1036 |title = Rail Professional interview: Alistair Dormer |date = September 2011 |first = Paul |last = Clifton |publisher = www.railpro.co.uk}} the under-floor diesel engines can be removed, which allows the train to be converted to run only on electric power.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/agility-trains-signs-intercity-express-programme-contract.html |title = Agility Trains signs Intercity Express Programme contract |date = 25 July 2012 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London}} The engines selected were {{convert|700|kW|abbr=on}} MTU 1600 Series V12 (MTU 12V 1600 R80L) powered engine-generator sets, conforming to EU IIIB emissions requirements, fitted with SCR exhaust gas treatment system; bi-mode trains were fitted with three engines (five-car) or five engines (nine-car), with electric-only trains having one engine per train for emergency power.{{citation |url = http://www.rrpowersystems.com/index.php?id=3956&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1001023&cHash=188f746cafa8d8a80a314659e520d898&from_tognum=1 |title = Tognum is preferred supplier for Hitachi Super Express Train |date = 19 September 2012 |publisher = Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG (Tognum) |type = Press release}}

Capital costs for the vehicles (2012 price) were approximately £2.8 million per carriage for bi-mode versions and £2.4{{nbsp}}million per carriage for electric versions.{{cite news |url = http://www.rail.co/2012/07/26/ieps-better-value-for-money-than-pendolinos-says-dft/ |title = IEPs better value for money than Pendolinos, says DfT |date = 26 July 2012 |last = Johnson |first = Marc |publisher = www.rail.co}}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/britains-intercity-express-programme-reaches-financial-close.html |title = Britain's Intercity Express Programme reaches financial close |last = Barrow |first = Keith |date = 25 July 2012 |magazine = International Railway Journal}}

{{see also|21st-century modernisation of the Great Western main line}}

The proportions of traction types ordered would depend on decisions regarding further electrification.{{Cite web |url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090225/text/90225w0021.htm#09022629005028 |title = House of Commons Hansard Written Answers for 25 February 2009 (pt 0021) |publisher = Parliament of the United Kingdom |work = Hansard |date = 25 February 2009 |access-date = 4 April 2009 }} In late 2007, Network Rail suggested that the DfT should abandon the diesel version of the IEP as emissions regulations and the minimal demand for diesel-powered high-speed trains abroad made it cheaper to electrify lines and operate electric trains than to buy new diesel trains.{{citation |title = Network rail costings make diesel Intercity Express 'redundant' |first = Roberto |last = Palacin |publisher = Transport Times |date = 1 December 2007 |number = 47 |page = 7}} In January 2009, the then Secretary of State for Transport, Geoff Hoon, stated that before finalising procurement plans he would need to consider electrification proposals from Network Rail in terms of cost, financing and benefit.{{Cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/infrastructure |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100104233341/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/infrastructure |url-status = dead |archive-date = 4 January 2010 |title = Britain's Transport Infrastructure |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 15 January 2009 |access-date = 16 February 2009}} In June 2009, Network Rail published a draft Electrification Strategy recommending electrification of the Midland Main Line and Great Western Main Line through to Oxford and Swansea, followed by some cross-country routes and the Reading to Plymouth Line.{{Cite web |url = http://archive.nr.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/network/working%20group%204%20-%20electrification%20strategy/networkrus_electrification.pdf |title = Network RUS Electrification |website = archive.nr.co.uk|access-date = 2 January 2019 |archive-date = 22 April 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190422165618/http://archive.nr.co.uk/browse%20documents/rus%20documents/route%20utilisation%20strategies/network/working%20group%204%20-%20electrification%20strategy/networkrus_electrification.pdf |url-status = dead }} On 23 July 2009, the DfT presented plans to electrify the Great Western Main Line from London to Bristol and from Swindon to Swansea.{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8164070.stm |title = £1bn plan to electrify rail line |work = BBC News |date = 23 July 2009}}

Following the Comprehensive Spending Review in October 2010, it was announced the lines from London to Didcot, Oxford and Newbury would be electrified in the following six years. On 1 March 2011, the extension from Didcot to Swindon, Bristol and Cardiff was announced.

On 26 February 2010, the Transport Secretary, Andrew Adonis, announced that contract negotiations could not be completed before the 2010 United Kingdom general election, and a review was to be carried out on the value for money of the contract.{{Cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/adonis20100226 |title = Rolling stock: Statement by Rt Hon Lord Andrew Adonis, Secretary of State for Transport |date = 26 February 2010 |publisher = Department for Transport |access-date = 28 February 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100304114057/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/adonis20100226 |archive-date = 4 March 2010 |url-status = dead}}{{Cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/10/no-iep-contract-before-election.html |title = No IEP contract before election |date = 26 February 2010 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London}} Network Rail's commitment to electrify the main line between London and Bristol meant that the original assumptions used when formulating the procurement plan had changed; furthermore, passenger transport figure increases had not met expectations.By 2010, the phase 1 order had been reduced from ~900 to 700 carriages, mainly due to lower expectations of passenger numbers.{{harv|Foster|2010|p=4|loc = Specification of IEP}} Lord Adonis also blamed lack of financial support from the City.{{cite news |url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article7043144.ece |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110611183338/http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/transport/article7043144.ece |url-status = dead |archive-date = 11 June 2011 |title = Plans for new intercity fleet hit the buffers |last = Lea |first = Robert |newspaper = The Times |location = London |date = 27 February 2010}} {{subscription required}}{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/upgraded-intercity-train-plan-on-hold-until-after-the-election-1912454.html |title = Upgraded InterCity train plan on hold until after the election |last = Arnott |first = Sarah |date = 27 February 2010 |newspaper = The Independent |location = London}} Additionally, a planned second phase, to introduce new trains to the specifications in the plan on the West Coast Main Line, was cancelled.{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/feb/26/intercity-trains-upgrade-postponed |title = Intercity trains upgrade postponed |last = Milmo |first = Dan |date = 26 February 2010 |newspaper = The Guardian |location = London}}

Opposition politicians, industry commentators and the Association of Train Operating Companies were critical of aspects of the scheme, particularly the micromanagement of the proposed trains' specifications, and lack of input from potential operators.{{cite news |url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8538222.stm |title = Intercity train upgrade postponed until after election |date = 26 February 2010 |work = BBC News}}{{Cite news |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/67b9a2f0-22cf-11df-8942-00144feab49a.html?catid=18&SID=google&nclick_check=1 |title = Probe delays high-speed train decision |first = Robert |last = Wright |date = 26 February 2010 |newspaper = Financial Times |location = London}} Also, the Department for Transport's targets for energy consumption were reported to have been considered impracticable.

In July 2010, the report on the programme by Sir Andrew Foster was published, and the decision on whether to proceed with the programme deferred until after the Spending Review in October 2010 while alternatives were assessed.Sources:

• {{Cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20100706 |title = Rolling Stock: Statement by The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP |date = 6 July 2010 |publisher = Department for Transport |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110504134116/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20100706 |archive-date = 4 May 2011}}
• {{Cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/business/2010/jul/06/high-speed-train-funding-delayed |title = High-speed train funding decision delayed until October |first = Richard |last = Wray |newspaper = The Guardian |location = London |date = 6 July 2010 |access-date = 7 July 2010}}
• {{Cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/transport/7874346/Coalition-mothball-plans-to-replace-Intercity-125-trains.html |title = Coalition mothball plans to replace Intercity 125 trains |newspaper = The Daily Telegraph |location = London |first = David |last = Millward |date = 6 July 2010 |access-date = 7 July 2010}} Other options examined in the report included combinations of: using existing carriages propelled by high-powered electric locomotives, Class 377, or re-engineered Class 319 or Class 365 commuter trains on some sections to compensate for demand, the use of Class 180 diesel trains on some non-electrified routes, or refurbished Intercity 125s, as well as infill electrification.{{sfn|Foster|2010a|p=20–28| loc = Credible Alternatives}}

On 25 November 2010, the Secretary of State for Transport, Philip Hammond, announced that a final decision on the Intercity Express Programme would be deferred to 2011 along with decisions on further electrification of the rail system. In his report Foster had been critical of the bi-mode concept as untried and untested;{{sfn|Foster|2010|pp=31–32}} two options for the non-electrified sections were being considered: coupling of an all-electric train to a diesel locomotive, or Agility Trains' proposal of bi-mode trains – electric trains with additional underfloor engines.Sources:

• {{cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20101125 |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110504134041/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20101125 |archive-date = 4 May 2011 |title = Rail Investment (written statement) |first = Philip |last = Hammond |author-link = Philip Hammond |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 25 November 2010}}
• {{cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20101125a |title = Rail Investment (oral statement) |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20110504134040/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20101125a |archive-date = 4 May 2011 |first = Philip |last = Hammond |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 25 November 2010}} On 1 March 2011, the government announced it was to continue with the programme with Agility Trains as the preferred bidder together with plans to electrify the Great Western Main Line as far as Cardiff;Sources:
• {{cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20110301 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110306174336/http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/hammond20110301 |archive-date = 6 March 2011 |url-status = dead |title = Intercity Express and Rail Electrification |date = 1 March 2011 |publisher = Department for Transport |author-link = Philip Hammond |first = Philip |last = Hammond}}
• {{cite journal |url = https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201011/cmhansrd/cm110301/debtext/110301-0002.htm |journal = Hansard |date = 1 March 2011 |at = Column 189 |title = Intercity Express and Rail Electrification}}{{cite news |url = https://www.reuters.com/article/britain-intercity-idUSLDE7202HQ20110301 |title = UK sticks with plans to buy new Hitachi trains |date = 1 March 2011 |work = Reuters}}{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/tees/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9410000/9410517.stm |title = Newton Aycliffe wins approval for Hitachi investment |last = Reeve |first = Ian |publisher = BBC News |date = 1 March 2011}} the order, reduced to £4.5bn in value was for approximately 500 carriages.{{citation |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1f5475ee-443e-11e0-931d-00144feab49a.html#axzz1zC2xzI00 |title = DfT to press on with £4.5bn train order |first = Robert |last = Wright |newspaper = Fincial Times |date = 1 March 2011}}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.rtmjobs.com/rail-news/article/1617-dft-confirms-scaled-back-4~2E5bn-intercity-express-order/ |title = DFT confirms scaled back £4.5bn IEP order |access-date = 13 March 2011 |date = 2 March 2011 |magazine = Rail Technology Magazine}}Intercity rail travel presentation to the Institute of Mechanical engineers, Slide 2.

File:Virgin Trains East Coast Super Express Train.jpg livery (2014)]]

During 2012, the Agility Trains consortia obtained financial backing from lenders including HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Mizuho and Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi;{{cite news |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d16106ec-a691-11e1-968b-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1wmpGdwKB |title = Cuts and delays hit train-building project |last1 = Odell |first1 = Mark |last2 = Pickard |first2 = Jim |newspaper= Financial Times |location = London |date = 27 May 2012 |access-date = 6 June 2012}}{{registration required}} a financing loan for trains for the Great Western Main Line (GWML) of £2.2bn was agreed by July 2012 including £1bn from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), with the remainder to come from lenders including HSBC, Lloyds-TSB, Mizuho, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation and the European Investment Bank (EIB).{{cite news |url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-25/hitachi-s-u-k-train-venture-said-to-plan-2-1-billion-pound-loan.html |title = Hitachi's U.K. Train Venture Borrows 2.2 Billion Pound Loan |last = Urabe |first = Emi |date = 25 July 2012 |publisher = Bloomberg |location = New York}}{{cite press release |url = http://www.jbic.go.jp/en/about/press/2012/0725-01/index.html |title=Loan for the Intercity Express Programme in the UK - the First Project Finance Loan toward the Railway Sector for JBIC |date = 25 July 2012 |publisher = Japan Bank for International Cooperation |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130223005705/https://www.jbic.go.jp/en/about/press/2012/0725-01/index.html |archive-date = 23 February 2013}} The project was the first mainline rail project in the UK to be financed through a Public Private Partnership. JBIC loans provided £1bn of the funding, EIB £235M, and £1bn was through loans from the commercial banks - the loan period was 29.5 years. A further £280M was raised by share issues and share backed loans.{{citation |url = http://www.dlapiper.com/files/Publication/5076c1e5-ddc8-42f4-9a6f-004a77baf321/Presentation/PublicationAttachment/519903eb-1cd3-4b10-90c6-46664110cff5/intercity-express-programme.pdf |title = Asia Pacific Projects Update CASE STUDY: THE UK'S INTERCITY EXPRESS PROGRAMME |publisher = DLA Piper |year = 2012}}

The finalised £4.5bn contract for trains for the GWML and ECML was announced in July 2012. Financial closure was reached at the same time on the first phase of the contract, valued at £2.4bn, consisting of 21 nine-car electric (Class 801) and 36 five-car bi-mode trains (Class 800), 369 carriages total, for use on Great Western routes.{{refn|Note: The Financial Times, "Hitachi secures largest UK train order." gives (incorrectly) order figures of approx 330 GWML and 270 ECML.|group=note}} The second phase of the contract consisted of 10 five-car and 13 nine-car bi-mode and 12 five-car electric units (227 carriages) for use on the ECML; financial closure on the second phase was initially expected in 2013.{{cite news |url = http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/b949d9c8-d4f2-11e1-9444-00144feabdc0.html#axzz21ckxR56T |title = Hitachi secures largest UK train order |first1 = Mark |last1 = Odell |first2 = Jim |last2 = Pickard |newspaper = Financial Times |location = London |date = 25 July 2012 }}{{cite press release |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/news/press-releases/dft-press-20120725a |title = £4.5 billion investment in new trains creates new jobs |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 25 July 2012 |access-date = 25 July 2012}} A £1.2bn option for further 30 nine-car electric trains (270 carriages) to replace the Intercity 225 on the ECML was taken up on 18 July 2013.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/east-coast-main-line-iep-train-order-confirmed.html |title = East Coast Main Line IEP train order confirmed |date = 18 July 2013 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |location = London |access-date = 18 July 2013 |archive-date = 9 October 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131009192910/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/east-coast-main-line-iep-train-order-confirmed.html |url-status = dead }}{{cite web |url = https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-gives-green-light-for-more-state-of-the-art-intercity-trains |title = Government gives green light for more state-of-the-art intercity trains |publisher = Department for Transport |date = 18 July 2013}} Financial closure on the second phase of the contract (total 65 ECML trains, 497 carriages) was reached in April 2014; the value of the contract was £2.7bn over a 27.5 year lease, including design, manufacture, and maintenance; financing was through a number of Japanese, British, and French financial institutions, and the EIB.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/financial-close-on-pound27bn-east-coast-iep-contract.html |title = Financial close on £2.7bn East Coast IEP contract |date = 16 April 2014 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}}

Agility Trains is to build and maintain the trainsets and receive payment from the train operator based on train availability. The Government is guaranteeing usage for {{fract|27|1|2}} years.

During 2014, the National Audit Office reported on the handling of IEP and Thameslink rolling stock projects by the DfT. Issues specific to the IEP were the failure to re-submit the contract to tender after the terms of the contract change (electrification program) led to an altered bid from Hitachi. The report also questioned the DfT's attempt to take leadership in the project, contradictory to general policy, without any prior experience of large scale rolling stock procurement.{{cite news |title = Train contracts may not be best value, says National Audit Office |url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jul/09/train-contracts-not-best-value-national-audit-office |date = 9 July 2014 |first = Gwyn |last = Topham |magazine = The Guardian}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nao.org.uk/report/procuring-new-trains/ |title = Procuring new trains |website = National Audit Office |date = 9 July 2014}} The NAO also gave its opinion that the DfT had handled communications with bidders poorly, increasing the likelihood of a legal challenge to their decisions.{{cite web |url = http://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Procuring-new-trains-summary.pdf |at = §15, p. 8 |title = Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General - Department for Transport - Procuring new trains |date = 9 July 2014 |website = National Audit Office}}

In October 2015, ITV News Meridian speculated that, because of the late delivery of the Great Western electrification project, an increased number of trains might have to be diesel-equipped;{{cite news |url = http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2015-10-19/new-electric-hitachi-bullet-trains-to-run-on-diesel/ |title = New electric Hitachi bullet trains to run on diesel? |date = 19 October 2015 |work = ITV News}} in May 2016, it was confirmed by the DfT that 21 "Class 801" trains would be converted to bi-mode operation.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/dft-confirms-new-gwml-class-801s-will-be-bi-mode?dorewrite=false |title = Perry confirms new GWML Class 801s will be bi-mode |date = 27 May 2016 |magazine = Rail Technology Magazine}} Subsequently, these were reclassified as Class 800/3.{{cite magazine |title = Great Western bi-mode '801s' to be reclassified as Class '800/3s' |magazine = Rail Magazine|location = Peterborough |publisher = Bauer Media |date = 20 July 2016|page = 33 }}

File:20150107-Class800 Train1 departs Kasado Works1.jpg

In late 2012, MTU was announced as the preferred supplier of diesel engines; bi-mode trains are to be fitted with between three and five {{convert|700|kW|hp|abbr=on}} engine generators powered by the 12-cylinder MTU 12V 1600 R80L. Electrically powered trains are also to be fitted with a single powerpack of the same design to be used for auxiliary and emergency power, and for shunting in depots.{{cite press release |url = http://www.tognum.com/press/press-releases/presse-detail/news/tognum_is_preferred_supplier_for_hitachi_super_express_train/news_smode/text/cHash/43cbb304351fd4ad4542be3fe5ebf0e8/ |title = Tognum is preferred supplier for Hitachi Super Express Train |date = 19 September 2012 |publisher = Tognum |access-date = 20 September 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131103233603/http://www.tognum.com/press/press-releases/presse-detail/news/tognum_is_preferred_supplier_for_hitachi_super_express_train/news_smode/text/cHash/43cbb304351fd4ad4542be3fe5ebf0e8/ |archive-date = 3 November 2013 |url-status = dead }}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/mtu-to-supply-diesel-powerpacks-for-intercity-express-programme.html |title = MTU to supply diesel powerpacks for Intercity Express Programme |date = 19 September 2012 |magazine= Railway Gazette International |location = London}} Other component suppliers included Knorr-Bremse (braking system), Brecknell Willis (pantograph) Televic Rail (passenger information systems), Dellner (gangway, coupler), Voith (SE-369 gear unit.{{cite web |url = http://www.voith.com/en/press/press-releases-99_56347.html |title = New British High-Speed Trains Drive with Voith Gear Units |date = 26 February 2014 |type = Press release |website = Voith}}), NSK (bearings), and Lucchini (wheelset). DCA Design was contracted to produce passenger interior and driving cab mockups for design validation;{{cite news |url = http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/business/news/10579763.Hitachi_unveils_new_train_interiors/ |title = Hitachi unveils new train interiors |date = 31 July 2013 |first = Andy |last = Richardson |publisher = The Northern Echo |location = Darlington }}{{cite news |url = http://www.machinery-market.co.uk/news/3884/Major-train-contract-for-design-company |title = Major train contract for design company |date=20 August 2013 |work = Machinery Market |location = London}} the design mockups were revealed in April 2014.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/hitachi-reveals-set-interiors.html?device=auto |title = Hitachi reveals SET interiors |date = 29 April 2014 |first = Keith |last = Fender |magazine = International Railway Journal}}

Signalling systems are to be supplied by Signalling Solutions Ltd. (ATP), and Siemens (GSM-R),Railtex 2013, IEP update, p.15{{cite web |url = http://www.railway-technology.com/projects/-hitachi-super-express-trains-uk/ |title = Hitachi Super Express Trains, United Kingdom |access-date = 15 March 2020 |publisher = www.railway-technology.com}} Hitachi is to use its own ETCS signalling system on the trains.{{cite web |url = http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/131226.html |title = Hitachi onboard ETCS technology successfully certified |date = 26 December 2013 |type = Press release |publisher = Hitachi |quote = Hitachi Ltd. today announced that its On-board ETCS (European Train Control System) solution has been successfully certified [..] Hitachi is now embarking on train fitment implementation for IEP: Intercity Express Programme }}

Three pre-main production series trains were manufactured in Hitachi's Kasado plant; the first, a five-car class 800 unit was unveiled on 13 November 2014; ten further production series trains were to be manufactured in Japan before final assembly production switched to Newton Aycliffe.{{citation |work = www.railjournal.com |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/hitachi-unveils-first-iep-train-for-britain.html |title = Hitachi rolls out first IEP train for Britain |date = 13 November 2014 |first = Keith |last = Barrow }}{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/rolling-stock/british-inter-city-fleet-renewal-gathers-pace.html |title = British inter-city fleet renewal gathers pace |date = 4 December 2014 |magazine = International Railway Journal |first = Keith |last = Barrow }}

{{main|Hitachi Newton Aycliffe}}

During 2011, Hitachi chose the site of the UK factory at developer Merchant Place Developments' Amazon Park (later renamed Merchant Park mid 2013.{{cite web |url = http://www.amazonpark.co.uk/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130524163125/http://amazonpark.co.uk/ |archive-date = 24 May 2013 |title = Amazon Park }}) site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham,{{cite press release |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120426090641/http://www.amazonpark.co.uk/newsfiles/080311Hitachigo-ahead.pdf |archive-date = 26 April 2012 |url= http://www.amazonpark.co.uk/newsfiles/080311Hitachigo-ahead.pdf |title = Hitachi go-ahead 'a massive boost for the North East' |publisher = Merchant Place Developments |date = 8 March 2011}}{{cite press release |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120220115042/http://www.agilitytrains.co.uk/assets/pdf/AgilityTrains_press_statement-20110301.pdf |archive-date = 20 February 2012 |url = http://www.agilitytrains.co.uk/assets/pdf/AgilityTrains_press_statement-20110301.pdf |title = Agility Trains Confirm Intercity Express Programme Contract |publisher = Agility Trains |date = 1 March 2011}} close to Heighington railway station and adjacent to the Tees Valley Line.{{coord|54.59412|-1.588495|type:landmark|display=inline}} – location of the Hitachi factory, Amazon Park / Merchant Park, Newton Aycliffe. Hitachi announced its intention to proceed with construction of the facility in July 2012, after financial closure was achieved for the part of the train order that concerned the GWML.

The contract for the construction of the £82M {{convert|43000|m2|abbr=on}} factory was awarded to Shepherd Group on 1 November 2013.{{cite news |url = http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/business/news/10779589.Shepherd_to_build___82_million_train_factory/ |title = Shepherd to build £82 million train factory |first = Laura |last = Knowlson |date = 1 November 2013 |publisher = The Press |location = York}}{{cite web |url = http://www.hitachi.com/New/cnews/131101.html |title = Hitachi Rail Europe Manufacturing Plant - Start of Construction Phase Ceremony with Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP and Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP |publisher = Hitachi |date = 1 November 2013 |type = Press release}} Construction of the factory was scheduled to start in 2013, with train production beginning in 2015, and the plant reaching full production capacity in 2016.{{cite press release |title = Intercity Express Programme Financial Close Paves Way for Hitachi Investment in Rail Manufacturing and Assembly Plant |date = 25 July 2012 |publisher = Hitachi via Japan Corporate News Network |url = http://www.japancorp.net/press_release/25479/intercity_express_programme_financial_close_paves_way_for_hitachi_investment_in_rail_manufacturing_and_assembley_plant |access-date = 25 July 2012 |archive-date = 17 August 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120817080420/http://www.japancorp.net/press_release/25479/intercity_express_programme_financial_close_paves_way_for_hitachi_investment_in_rail_manufacturing_and_assembley_plant |url-status = dead }} Erection of the frame of the factory was complete by June 2014,{{cite web |url = http://www.railway-news.com/railway-industry-news/hitachi-rail-europe-completes-steel-frame-of-manufacturing-facility |title = Hitachi Rail Europe Completes Steel Frame of Manufacturing Facility |date = 2 June 2014 |work = www.railway-news.com |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140606204014/http://www.railway-news.com/railway-industry-news/hitachi-rail-europe-completes-steel-frame-of-manufacturing-facility |archive-date = 6 June 2014 |df = dmy-all}} with an official topping out ceremony held in October 2014.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/hitachi-rail-europe-tops-out-newton-aycliffe-factory.html |title = Hitachi Rail Europe tops out Newton Aycliffe factory |date = 30 October 2014 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}}

On 3 September 2015, the factory was officially opened in the presence of Hiroaki Nakanishi (Hitachi), Patrick McLoughlin (MP), Claire Perry (MP), George Osborne (MP), David Cameron (PM) and 500 guests.Sources:

• {{cite news |url = http://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/update/2015-09-03/new-hitachi-facility-opens-today-in-newton-aycliffe/ |title = New Hitachi facility opens in Newton Aycliffe |date = 3 September 2015 |work = ITV News}}
• {{cite web |url = http://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/official-opening-of-hitachi-rail-vehicle-manufacturing-facility-524046921.html |title = Official Opening of Hitachi Rail Vehicle Manufacturing Facility |date = 3 September 2015 |type = press release |website = www.prnewswire.co.uk}}
• {{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/business/single-view/view/hitachi-opens-newton-aycliffe-rolling-stock-plant.html |title = Hitachi opens Newton Aycliffe rolling stock plant |date = 3 September 2015 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}}

File:Class 800 in testing 2015.jpg

The first train left the Kasado factory on 7 January 2015 for shipping via Kobe,{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/first-hitachi-iep-trainset-sets-off-for-the-uk.html |title = First Hitachi IEP trainset sets off for the UK |date = 7 January 2015 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}} and arrived at Southampton, England, on 11 March 2015.{{cite magazine|url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/first-hitachi-iep-trainset-arrives-in-britain.html |title = First Hitachi IEP trainset arrives in Britain |date = 12 March 2015 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}} At a speech given to the welcoming committee, rail transport minister Claire Perry requested that a new name be found for the trains.{{cite web |url = https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-state-of-the-art-intercity-express-train-arrives-in-the-uk |title = New state-of-the-art InterCity Express train arrives in the UK |type = Press release |date = 12 March 2015 |publisher = Department of Transport}}{{cite web |url = https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/rail-renaissance-on-track |title = Rail renaissance on track |date = 12 March 2015 |type = Speech transcript |publisher = Department of Transport}}

After-delivery testing was arranged to take place at Old Dalby Test Track;{{cite magazine |title = First pre-series Class 800 due in the UK next spring |journal = Rail Magazine |issue = 755 |date = 20 August 2014 |page = 16}} testing of a Class 800 train (number 001) at Old Dalby commenced in early 2015.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railmagazine.com/news/fleet/2015/04/22/iep-class-800-moves-under-its-own-power-in-tests |title = IEP Class 800 moves under its own power in tests |date = 23 April 2015 |magazine =Rail Magazine |first = Stephanie |last = Browne}}

During mid-2015, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) trade union voted for a 48-hour strike on First Great Western due to a dispute over plans by FGW to operate the IEP sets without guards or buffet cars.{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33439058 |title = First Great Western rail strike 'on' as talks fail, RMT says |date = 8 July 2015 |work = BBC News}}{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33456837 |title = First Great Western passengers face strike turmoil |work = BBC News |date = 9 July 2015 }}

In March 2016, the first unit for Virgin Trains East Coast was formally unveiled at King's Cross railway station, and named Virgin Azuma.{{cite web |url = https://www.virgintrainseastcoast.com/news/new-announcement/ |title = Virgin unveils the Virgin Azuma! |date = 18 March 2016 |work = www.virgintrainseastcoast.com |type = press release}}

In October 2017, the first train went into service on the Great Western Mainline.{{Cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-41633356 |title = High-speed train delayed on first journey |date = 16 October 2017 |work = BBC News |access-date = 16 March 2018}} In May 2019, the first train entered service on the East Coast Mainline between London King's Cross and Leeds.{{Cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-48268860 |title = East Coast Main Line Azuma trains launch on London to Leeds route |work = BBC News |date = 15 May 2019}}

In addition to existing service facilities on the GWML and ECML, four new depots were required with other depots upgraded for the trains. On the GWML the new depots were at Filton Triangle, Stoke Gifford; at Maliphant Sidings in Swansea; and at the North Pole depot, west London. EC Harris was project manager for the three works.{{cite press release |url = http://www.echarris.com/reference/news/hitachi_rail_gwl.aspx |title = EC Harris Appointed by Hitachi Rail to Deliver Three New Depots on Great Western Mainline |date = 10 April 2012 |publisher = EC Harris |access-date = 3 April 2014}}

On the ECML, initially the Clayhills depot in Aberdeen, and Bounds Green depot in London were planned to be upgraded, with a new depot at Doncaster. (see Doncaster IEP depot.)Railtex 2013, IEP update, pp. 8-13. Agility Trains East ultimately required a new depot at Doncaster; and minor upgrades to the Bounds Green depot and Ferme Park depot in London and the Craigentinny depot in Edinburgh. Five more depots on the ECML line would be used by the fleet,{{citation |url = http://www.agilitytrains.com/east-coast-main-line |title = About East Coast Main Line |work = www.agilitytrains.com |access-date = 20 January 2016}} and required minor modifications or additions - these included Neville Hill depot, Heaton depot in Newcastle, and depots at Inverness and Aberdeen.{{cite web |url = http://thespencergroup.co.uk/spencer-group-working-on-upgrades-of-the-east-coast-mainline-light-maintenance-depots |title = Spencer Group working on upgrades of the East Coast Mainline Light Maintenance Depots |date = 26 May 2015 |work = thespencergroup.co.uk |type = press release}}

{{see also|British Rail Class 802|British Rail Class 803|British Rail Class 805|British Rail Class 807|British Rail Class 810}}

File:GWR Super Express Train.jpg

During March 2015, First Great Western agreed to acquire 29 bi-mode (Class 802) trains as HST replacements on services in and to the southwest of England. The order consisted of 22 five-car and 7 nine-car trainsets, with an option for 30 more sets. Differences with the original design included more powerful diesel engines more suited to steeper graded line in Devon and Cornwall, as well as larger fuel tanks.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/main-line/first-plans-more-hitachi-trains-for-great-western.html |title = First plans more Hitachi trains for Great Western |first = Keith |last = Barrow |date = 28 March 2015 |magazine = International Railway Journal}} A £361M contract between FGW and rolling stock leasing company Eversholt Rail Group was signed in July 2015. The expected introduction date of the new trains was summer 2018.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/first-great-western-and-eversholt-sign-hitachi-at300-train-contract.html |title = First Great Western and Eversholt sign Hitachi AT300 train contract |date = 30 July 2015 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}} Great Western's Class 802 trains were built at Hitachi Rail Italy's Pistoia plant.{{cite magazine|url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/great-western-at300-trainsets-to-be-built-in-italy.html |title = Great Western AT300 trainsets to be built in Italy |date = 22 December 2015 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |access-date = 22 December 2015 |archive-date = 17 December 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161217030015/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/news/europe/single-view/view/great-western-at300-trainsets-to-be-built-in-italy.html |url-status = dead }}

In September 2015, Hull Trains announced it was to order five electro-diesel multiple units from Hitachi, at a cost of £68M, similar to the bi-mode IEP trains. The trains, which will enter service in 2020, are specified to have seating for 320, and an ultimate top speed of {{convert|225|km/h|abbr=on}} once in-cab signalling infrastructure is in place.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/passenger/single-view/view/hull-trains-to-order-hitachi-electro-diesel-trainsets.html |title = Hull Trains to order Hitachi electro-diesel trainsets |date = 3 September 2015 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}}{{cite web |url = http://www.globalrailnews.com/2015/09/03/first-hull-trains-to-buy-new-bi-mode-trains/ |title = First Hull Trains to buy new bi-mode trains |date = 3 September 2015 |work = www.globalrailnews.com }} The Hull Trains units are also to be designated Class 802.{{cite book |date = 7 October 2015 |title = Proposed Track Access Contract Between Network Rail Infrastructure Limited and Hull Trains Company Limited under Section 17 of the Railways Act 1993 |url = http://orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/19489/hull-trains-limited-s17-hull-trains-response-to-network-rail-representations.pdf |publisher = Office of Rail and Road |page = 8 |quote = Noted and agreed. We understand this type of unit will be designated as Class 802 |url-status = dead |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 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |df = dmy-all}}

During January 2016, it was announced that Hitachi's successful tender for the Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvement Programme consisting of new Class 385s that would be primarily assembled at Newton Aycliffe.{{Cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/scotrail-class-385-emus-under-construction.html |title = ScotRail Class 385 EMUs under construction |magazine = Railway Gazette International |access-date = 6 August 2016}} Their introduction was delayed somewhat by reports of vision problems encountered during testing of the Class 385; these were the attributed to the visibility and curvature of the driver windows, which are smaller than usual, leading to drivers seeing "two or three signals", when only one exists.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-43031527 |title=Safety worry over new ScotRail trains |date=12 February 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=13 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021110/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-43031527 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/drivers-of-new-scotrail-trains-can-t-see-signals-1-4687130 |title=Drivers of new ScotRail trains 'can't see signals' |website=www.scotsman.com |language=en |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=13 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021832/https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/drivers-of-new-scotrail-trains-can-t-see-signals-1-4687130 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.aslef.org.uk/article.php?group_id=6091 |title=Fish bowl vision problem scuppers plans for new trains |website=www.aslef.org.uk |access-date=12 February 2018 |archive-date=13 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213021913/http://www.aslef.org.uk/article.php?group_id=6091 |url-status=live }}

During early 2016, TransPennine Express announced it would acquire 19 five-car AT300 electro-diesel trains. The design was closely related to the Class 800, but modified with the inclusion of higher power output diesel engines for the steeply graded lines, as well as larger fuel tanks and braking resistors.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/hitachi-awarded-transpennine-express-multiple-unit-contract.html |title = Hitachi awarded TransPennine Express multiple-unit contract |date = 31 March 2016 |magazine = Railway Gazette International |access-date = 31 March 2016 |archive-date = 2 April 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160402203454/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/hitachi-awarded-transpennine-express-multiple-unit-contract.html |url-status = dead }} According to the operator, a major rationale behind the new fleet was its bi-mode capability, which eliminated the uncertainty of planned and promised electrification schemes and that, in the event of widescale electrification being implemented, the sets could have some of their engines removed to reduce roughly 15% of their weight and thus raise their efficiency.{{cite magazine |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/rail-features/tpe-s-new-trains |title = TPE's new trains |magazine = Rail Magazine |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 26 August 2019 |access-date = 21 October 2020 |archive-date = 23 October 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201023133434/https://www.railmagazine.com/news/rail-features/tpe-s-new-trains |url-status = live }} On 28 September 2019, these units, referred to as Nova 1 by TransPennine Express, entered revenue service.{{Cite magazine |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/first-nova-1-trainset-enters-revenue-service-with-tpe/54732.article |title = First Nova 1 trainset enters revenue service with TPE |date = 3 September 2019 |magazine = Railway Gazette International|access-date = 2 December 2019 |archive-date = 13 October 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191013223240/https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/first-nova-1-trainset-enters-revenue-service-with-tpe/54732.article |url-status = live }}

In mid-2016, Great Western Railway ordered seven more electro-diesel trains from Hitachi; these sets were produced at Hitachi Rail Italy's facility in Pistoia, Italy.{{cite magazine |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/great-western-railway-orders-more-hitachi-trainsets.html |title = Great Western Railway orders more Hitachi trainsets |date = 3 August 2016 |magazine = Railway Gazette International }}

In March 2019, Lumo ordered a fleet of five 5-car 125 mph AT300 trains for its open access service.{{cite magazine |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/trains-ordered-for-2021-launch-of-high-quality-low-fare-london-edinburgh-service.html |title = Trains ordered for 2021 launch of high-quality, low fare London - Edinburgh service |magazine = Railway Gazette International |date = 21 March 2019}}{{cite magazine |title = Lumo is go! |magazine = The Railway Magazine |first1 = Paul |last1 = Bickerdyke |first2 = Phil |last2 = Marsh |date = November 2021}} Unlike several other operators, these sets were not outfitted with an auxiliary diesel engine; they instead are equipped with batteries that are intended solely to power onboard facilities in case of overhead line equipment failure.{{cite magazine |last = Clinnick |first = Richard |title = First orders AT300s for ECML open access operation |magazine = Rail Magazine |date = 22 March 2019 |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/first-orders-at300s-for-ecml-open-access-operation }}{{Cite news |last = Holden |first = Michael |date = 28 May 2021 |title = WATCH: New East Coast Trains Class 803s go on test in Darlington |url = https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/05/watch-new-east-coast-trains-class-803s-go-on-test-in-darlington.html |url-status = live |access-date = 30 May 2021 |publisher = RailAdvent|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210528102333/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2021/05/watch-new-east-coast-trains-class-803s-go-on-test-in-darlington.html |archive-date = 28 May 2021 }} Designated as the Class 803, they entered revenue service on 25 October 2021.{{cite news |url = https://www.thetimes.com/travel/inspiration/lumo-trains-london-to-edinburgh-d58vpjplr |title = What are Lumo trains and how can I buy tickets? |newspaper = The Times |location = London |last = Smith |first = Oliver |date = 23 October 2021}}

During July 2019, East Midlands Railway ordered 33 bi-mode AT300 trains from Hitachi. Hitachi stated that these trains will be an 'evolution' of the design supplied to other UK operators, with a modified nose profile, shorter vehicles and four diesel engines per five-car set instead of the three seen on Class 800 and Class 802 trains.{{Cite magazine |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/news/traction-rolling-stock/single-view/view/abellio-orders-east-midlands-inter-city-fleet.html |title = Abellio orders East Midlands inter-city fleet |magazine = Railway Gazette|access-date = 7 August 2019}} Designated as the Class 810, they have been branded by the operator as Aurora.{{Cite magazine |title = Aurora brand for East Midlands Railway Class 810 inter-city fleet |url = https://www.railwaygazette.com/uk/aurora-brand-for-east-midlands-railway-class-810-inter-city-fleet/57657.article |date = 27 October 2020 |access-date = 27 October 2020 |magazine = Railway Gazette International}}{{cite web |title = Name our train |url = https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/nameourtrain |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200605220554/https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/nameourtrain |archive-date = 5 June 2020 |publisher = East Midlands Railway |url-status = dead}}

In December 2019, Avanti West Coast announced an order for 23 trains from Hitachi split between 10 electric and 13 bi-mode units, designated as Class 807 and Class 805 respectively.{{Cite news |title = Inter-city rail operator's £350m new trains fleet to be built in UK |url = https://www.lep.co.uk/business/inter-city-rail-operators-ps350m-new-trains-fleet-be-be-built-uk-1334192 |access-date = 13 July 2020 |newspaper = Lancashire Evening Post |publisher = Johnston Press |location = Preston |first = David |last = Nowell |date = 6 December 2019}}{{Cite magazine |title = Avanti confirms class numbers for Hitachi train order |url = https://www.railmagazine.com/news/network/avanti-confirms-class-numbers-for-hitachi-train-order |access-date = 13 July 2020 |work = Rail Magazine|location = Peterborough |publisher = Bauer Media Group |first = Richard |last = Clinnick |date = 9 June 2020}} The new sets were ordered to increase capacity as well as to replace the existing Class 221 Super Voyagers used on the West Coast Main Line services.

• High Speed 2 – project to build a new high-speed rail line connecting London with the Midlands and North of England.

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{refbegin}}

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• {{citation |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090219040451/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepinvitationtotender/ieptraintechnicalspecifi.pdf |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/iep/iepinvitationtotender/ieptraintechnicalspecifi.pdf |archive-date = 19 February 2009 |publisher = Department for Transport |title = Intercity Express Programme : Train Technical Specification : Document IEP-TEHC-REQ-35 |issue = 1 |date = 6 June 2011|first1 = D |last1 = McNutt| first2= R |last2 = Ross |language = en-GB |ref = tr}}, alternative archive: [http://www.railwaysarchive.co.uk/documents/DfT_IEPTechSpec2007.pdf www.railwaysarchive.co.uk]
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• {{citation |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/iep-review/ |date = 6 July 2010 |publisher = Department of Transport |title = Review of the Intercity Express Programme by Sir Andrew Foster |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121107103953/http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/iep-review/ |archive-date = 7 November 2012 |language = en-GB}}
• {{citation |first = Andrew |last = Foster |date = June 2010 |title = A Review of the Intercity Express Programme |url = http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/review-of-the-intercity-express-programme-by-sir-andrew-foster/report.pdf |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111005174254/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/review-of-the-intercity-express-programme-by-sir-andrew-foster/report.pdf |url-status = dead |archive-date = 5 October 2011 |language = en-GB }}
• {{citation |first = Andrew |last = Foster |date = June 2010a |title = A Review of the Intercity Express Programme (Annex) |url = http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/review-of-the-intercity-express-programme-by-sir-andrew-foster/annex.pdf |archive-url = http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121107103953/http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/review-of-the-intercity-express-programme-by-sir-andrew-foster/annex.pdf |archive-date = 7 November 2012 |language = en-GB }}
• {{citation |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/intercity-rail-travel-presentation/ |title = Intercity rail travel presentation to the Institute of Mechanical engineers |date = 27 June 2011 |publisher = Department of Transport |language = en-GB |ref=pres1}}
• {{citation |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131101065201/http://www.railtex.co.uk/_downloads/presentations/Railtex_hitachi.pdf |archive-date = 1 November 2013 |url = http://www.railtex.co.uk/_downloads/presentations/Railtex_hitachi.pdf |title = Project update: Intercity Express Programme Railtex 2013 |publisher = Hitachi |year = 2013 |language = en-GB |ref=railtex}}

{{refend}}

• {{cite web |url = http://www.ieptrain.co.uk |title = Intercity Express Trains}}
• {{cite web |url = http://www.dft.gov.uk/topics/iep/ |publisher = Department for Transport |title = Intercity Express Programme}}
• {{cite web |url = http://www.agilitytrains.co.uk/ |title = Agility Trains}}
• {{cite web |url = http://www.laing.com/index.php?item=310&menu=i_sector_rail_or_i_sector_2_rail_or_i_sector_3_rail |title=Intercity Express Programme |publisher = John Laing |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20091126172229/http://www.laing.com/index.php?item=310&menu=i_sector_rail_or_i_sector_2_rail_or_i_sector_3_rail |language = en-GB |archive-date = 26 November 2009 }}
• {{citation |url = http://www.hitachirailproject.co.uk/ |title = Hitachi Newton Aycliffe - Hitachi Rail Project |work = www.hitachirailproject.co.uk |publisher = Business Durham |access-date = 21 July 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120614111935/http://www.hitachirailproject.co.uk/ |archive-date = 14 June 2012 |language = en-GB |url-status = dead}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2016}}

Category:High-speed rail in the United Kingdom

Category:Department for Transport

Category:Hitachi rolling stock