Authorisation given for 125mph Pennine Class 802/2s

Class 802/2s for TransPennine Express have been authorised for use by the Office of Rail and Road.

The Hitachi trains have been passed for use as five or ten-car formations. Owned by Angel Trains, there are 19 of the bi-modes on order, with 802201-206 in the UK, as well as vehicles from 802215 that have arrived from Kasado (Japan).

Authorisation was granted on June 4, although Automatic Selective Door Opening (ASDO) must be proven across the TPE network before they enter passenger service. There are also pantograph spacing issues, and despite being designed for 140mph, they will run at 125mph.

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