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.
However, the ORR has said TPE has to prove Automatic Selective Door Opening (ASDO) functionality, including abnormal scenarios, before use.

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!
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