Japanese Train Win
24 Aug 2005
Interfleet has been selected by Hitachi Europe Ltd to make sure the 28 new trains for the Channel Tunnel Rail Link domestic service are fully compliant.
This is the first time that interoperability regulations have been applied to the design of a train that is completely new to the UK and as such represents a key milestone for Interfleet Certification. Hitachi Europe Ltd was appointed at the beginning of June 2005 to supply 28 new high speed trains to operate domestic services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) and local lines in Kent as part of the new Integrated Kent Franchise, a £250 million contract for the manufacturer.
The trains, which will be a derivative of Hitachi’s A-Train, are expected to come into service in 2009. The Kent Bullets will whisk commuters up to London at speeds of 140 mph. As a Notified Body, Interfleet Certification Limited will be responsible for independently verifying that the new trains are designed and manufactured to UK and European safety and interoperability standards.