Great Western Railway has been conducting a series of test runs between Reading and London Euston, as it prepares for lengthy service disruption.
For periods over the next four years, GWR trains will be unable to pass Old Oak Common, while a new station is built to connect the Great Western with HS2 services.
A key issue during testing is to ensure the customer information screens work on the diversionary route. This includes automated announcements and reservation systems, so that booked seats turn red, amber or green on departure.
The test runs, using bi-mode Hitachi Class 801 and ‘802’ trains, have all been conducted under diesel power. But the expectation is that passenger services will run on overhead wires.
The first closures are on Sunday November 17 and from December…
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RAIL (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 1019