THE Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has given authorisation for TransPennine Express to introduce Hitachi Class 802/2 bi-mode units.
TPE has ordered 19 five-car trains, and the ORR approval covers operation in both five- and 10-car formations at 125mph, even though their design speed is 140mph.
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However, the ORR has said TPE has to prove Automatic Selective Door Opening (ASDO) functionality, including abnormal scenarios, before use.
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TPE also has to develop operational rules for ADSO, and work still needs to take place with Hitachi to mitigate inter-car surfing and climbing risks.
Read more in the July 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!