A bullet train set to go into operation next year has recorded a journey time of just 32 minutes from Ashford to London.
The Hitachi locomotive was on a test run between the International Station and St Pancras in the capital when it clocked in the time – five minutes less than operator Southeastern Rail has predicted for the passenger service which starts in December 2009.
The journey was part of a proving process introduced by the rail company to examine the efficiency of the new line – called High Speed One.
It tested acceleration, performance and breaking on the Japanese built Class 395 Javelin – set to become the flagship of the company with a 140mph maximum speed.
The recent journey took under half that of the fastest train currently on the route.
Around 100 drivers are currently undertaking the training necessary to operate the services.
They have told the management they are pleased about how efficient the equipment is, how quiet the ride is and comfortable the cabs are.
A Southeastern spokesman said: “We are very pleased with the tests and confident the performance can be reproduced when full operations commence.
“This was a test however and when the service starts we shall have to take into account things such as passengers getting on and off as well as other services on the track and a greater number of the high speed trains themselves.
“This will mean the journey time of 37 minutes rather than 32 will be closer to the norm.”
No exact date has been set for the first passenger service but it is scheduled for December of next year.
Pricing levels are also being examined.
The spokesman said: “There will be a premium price on the service, that we have all agreed on.
“However we need to work out exactly what the price structure will be. We do not want to make it too expensive as that will defeat the purpose and price customers out of the market.
“But too cheap will prize passengers off the existing main line network”.
POSTED: 11/06/2008 16:09:03
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