A RAIL firm has ordered a “Japanese bullet train-inspired fleet” to run a low-fare service between Edinburgh and London.
FirstGroup said it has struck a £100 million deal with Hitachi Rail for five new AT300 125mph intercity electric trains that will provide the “highest level of comfort and service”.
The Aberdeen-headquartered transport firm has been granted permission to run an “open access” service between London and Edinburgh for 10 years.
The majority of rail services in Britain are operated by fixed-term franchises awarded by the Department for Transport.
However, there are a handful of open access services - such as Hull Trains and Grand Central - which involve firms buying individual slots on the mainline.
READ MORE: FirstGroup gets green light to to run budget rail service on east coast
Each train will consist of five carriages - all standard class - with a total of 400 seats, and will include on-board catering and free Wi-Fi.
The new trains will be fully maintained by Hitachi for 10 years.
The four-hour service is expected to begin in autumn 2021.
The first service of the day from London is expected to arrive in Edinburgh by 10am in a bid to attract business passengers who usually fly.
Average fares will be less than £25, according to FirstGroup, which also operates Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, TransPennine Express and the Hull open access service.
FirstGroup will operate five services a day in each direction between King’s Cross and Edinburgh, calling at Stevenage, Newcastle and Morpeth.
Steve Montgomery, of FirstGroup, said: “Our plans show we are serious about competing with low-cost airlines and opening up rail travel on this key route to thousands of new passengers.”
Karen Boswell, of Hitachi, said: “Our Japanese bullet train-inspired fleet will play a vital role in supporting FirstGroup’s exciting new service.”
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