A FLEET of trains removed from service as a precaution after cracks were found have been repaired and will soon be reintroduced back onto the railway network.

After rigorous safety checks, GWR and LNER will begin reintroducing trains with a more regular service.

Trains on some routes may be less frequent than usual and train availability could vary for a number of reasons, so passengers should continue to check with the operators before they travel.

Passengers are being advised to check the latest travel advice from their train operator. Eligible passengers a should claim refunds.

Since discovering the faults, Hitachi Rail engineers and independent experts have completed tests and research to gain a clearer understanding of the cracking issue.

Train operators have put in place benchmarks for the trains to meet before they can re-enter service.

Trains will only re-enter service if they meet agreed safety criteria. Working with Hitachi Rail, the rail regulator will continue to carry out oversight to ensure processes are being followed.

Over time, trains will be subject to a forward repair plan, which will ensure the long-term safe running of the fleet.

Mark Hopwood, GWR managing director, said: “Our customers have shown great patience over the past couple of days, and I am grateful for their understanding as we have worked with Hitachi to allow trains to return safely. This news will allow us to run some additional services today and reintroduce more consistent robust timetables for customers after the weekend.

“The industry has come together to help support those travelling – with other operators allowing each other’s tickets to be used on their networks; adding in extra shuttle services to help move people; and in sharing rolling stock to provide it to those who need it most.”

Andrew Barr, group CEO of Hitachi Rail, said: “Today’s agreement sets out our joint plan for the phased reintroduction of our trains into service, which will continue to deliver the highest possible safety standards.

"Safety remains our number one priority, and we and our partners have worked round the clock to agree an approach that allows the return of trains to service where they have been deemed safe.

“With our service recovery plan now underway, the operators will begin reintroduction of trains as they are individually approved and deemed safe.

"We would like to thank our partners for their ongoing support as we work collectively to reintroduce more trains into service.”

Robert Nisbet, director of nations and regions at the Rail Delivery Group, said: “The safety of passengers has been the absolute focus for each of the organisations involved in making decisions about these trains over recent days.

"After some incredibly hard and detailed work, Hitachi’s engineers have worked with train operators and the rail regulator to safely bring some trains back into service.

"Over the coming days we will be able to get passengers on the affected routes moving again, but for now passengers should continue to check before they travel.”

HM Chief Inspector of Railways at the Office of Rail and Road, Ian Prosser CBE said: “We’ve engaged with Hitachi and the train companies to oversee their development of a safe and suitable plan.

“We’re also continuing to provide the rigorous oversight needed to make sure the right checks are being carried out so that the trains are able to re-enter passenger service safely.”

Rail Minister Chris-Heaton Harris said: “I welcome the news that operators, working closely with Hitachi and the independent safety regulator, the Office of Road and Rail, have confirmed that many trains can return to the network following rigorous safety tests.

“Trains should begin to return to service after further inspections have been carried out, helping to safely restore the reliable and punctual services on GWR and LNER that passengers deserve.

"Safety is our absolute focus, which is why Hitachi will carry out a comprehensive daily testing regime on affected trains.

“The next step on the route back to normal service levels will be for Hitachi to present their long-term repair plan for the fleet. We expect to see this shortly.

“Whilst this long-term fix can partly be incorporated into the regular service pattern for these trains, we do expect disruption to services for some time to come, but hope passengers understand this work is essential to ensure these issues do not occur again.”