A NUMBER of the Inter-city Express Programme trains planned to replace First Great Western's InterCity 125 High Speed Trains from 2016 could be dual-mode trains, able to use both diesel and electric power.
The three consortiums shortlisted to develop the train have been told that about a third of the 500 IEP coaches needed for FGW routes would be dual-mode.
They would be able to use electric power as far as Maidenhead or Reading, once the Crossrail London commuter service and associated overhead power cables are in operation.
They would switch to diesel power to complete journeys to Oxford and other destinations.
IEP trains are projected for introduction on London-Oxford and Cotswold Line services in 2016-17.
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