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GWR Cancels Services Due to Faulty New Train Fleet
7 Sep
Summary
- Five weekday services between Penzance and Devon were cancelled.
- Newer Class 175 trains, previously in storage, caused reliability issues.
- Trains caused about 15% of delays and 14% of cancellations since May.
Operator GWR has cancelled five weekday train services connecting Penzance in Cornwall with Plymouth and Exeter in Devon. This decision is seen by campaigners as the least disruptive option to tackle ongoing reliability problems experienced with its newer Class 175 fleet. These trains, which were in storage for two years before GWR began operating them in May, have faced technical issues attributed to their prolonged disuse.
Since their introduction, the Class 175 trains have been linked to approximately 15% of delays and 14% of service cancellations. In response, GWR is introducing enhanced testing and maintenance protocols to boost reliability. The trains will undergo rigorous testing, requiring them to complete at least 1,000 miles without faults before passenger service resumes. Timetable adjustments are planned until December 11, though GWR aims to reinstate services sooner if possible. Rail replacement services are in place as a backup, and GWR is communicating with local schools and colleges regarding the timetable changes.
