A number of Class 800 series Hitachi trains in use by several train companies, including GWR, were withdrawn from service for precautionary safety checks earlier this year.
We are working closely with Hitachi to ensure our trains are inspected before they are used in passenger service in line with guidelines set out by the Office of Rail and Road who monitor safety on the railway.
Currently, this means there are fewer Intercity Express Trains for us to use on our long distance routes. To help this situation we have brought in more trains on a temporary basis and extended the operation of our electric train fleet which operates in the Thames Valley. This will mean customers for Bedwyn, Hungerford and Kintbury will need to change trains at Newbury for journeys to, and from, London Paddington.
Other services may be operating with less carriages than normal and these changes may be necessary at short notice. Please check your journey before you travel.
Working with Hitachi, we hope to get our full fleet of Intercity Express Trains operating as soon as possible.
We would like to apologise to customers for the inconvenience and say thank you for your patience.