Fast train services to and from Reading to start returning

Class 800 series Hitachi trains in use by several train companies, including GWR, were withdrawn from service after cracks were found on Saturday, May 8.

GWR cancelled many of its long-distance services, with Hitachi carrying out precautionary safety checks on the trains.

READ MORE: Trains between Reading and London cancelled after cracks found

Hitachi Rail and train operators, working with the rail regulator, have put in place suitable criteria for the trains to meet before they can re-enter service.

Trains will now slowly start to be reintroduced by GWR as and when they are individually checked and approved as safe, with some additional services to return today and more services to follow next week.

GWR Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: “Our customers have shown great patience over the past couple of days, and I am grateful for their understanding as we have worked with Hitachi to allow trains to return safely.

“This news will allow us to run some additional services today and reintroduce more consistent robust timetables for customers after the weekend.

“The industry has come together to help support those travelling – with other operators allowing each other’s tickets to be used on their networks; adding in extra shuttle services to help move people; and in sharing rolling stock to provide it to those who need it most.”

For now, GWR is still advising customers not to travel today on its website.

GWR says disruption is likely to continue for some time and travellers should expect their journey to take longer, while train services may be busier than normal and social distancing is likely to be “difficult or at times impossible”.

GWR train

The company is updating customers on the situation here: https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/live-network-updates/pidd-disruption-information

Reading East MP Matt Rodda said: “I am very pleased to hear the good news that the train are starting to come back in service as this will help many people who are thinking about getting back to work in the coming weeks.

“I am calling on the government to provide any necessary support and further resources should they be needed.

“Obviously safety has to come first and there needs to be a thorough investigation. I am very pleased Hitachi and others are doing this.”

He also thanked staff, managers, railway unions and Hitachi for their efforts, adding he was told staff  were working a lot of extra overtime to resolve the issues.

What is wrong with the trains and how is it being resolved?

Hitachi detected small cracks under some train carriages on the lifting points on Saturday, May 8.

The lifting points are not used as part of the normal train operation – their purpose is to allow the train to be lifted up in depots for maintenance.

Hitachi Rail and the rail industry have now agreed a service recovery plan to get trains back in service.

READ MORE: 'Major disruption' at Reading station as trains are cancelled

After further rigorous safety checks, GWR will now begin reintroducing trains and a more regular service will return for passengers.

Hitachi says trains on some routes may be less frequent than usual and train availability could vary, for a number of reasons, so passengers should continue to check with the operators before they travel.