HITACHI-BUILT CLASS 802 Intercity Express Trains were launched on the West of England route with a VIP special from Penzance to Exeter on Friday 17 August, with passenger service beginning on the following Monday. Nos 802003/005 were the first units to run with passengers on board, forming the 05.53 Plymouth to London Paddington service on 20 August 2018. A second train (Nos 802006 and 007) formed the 07.30 London Paddington to Penzance service on that day.
Great Western Railway Managing Director Mark Hopwood said: ‘The trains will help us provide faster, more frequent services into the South West, each offering up to 24% more seats per train, in greater comfort and with improved on board facilities’.
