Thin gruel at DfT threatens Open Access!

Exciting news from Great Minster House!

This important announcement seen today…

We may safely assume that DfT's former chilly support for on-rail competition, will now be as stone-cold as their canteen food.

Hitachi goes on the front-foot!

This, from Hitachi, is impressive...

We're sorry - and we will do better.

Karen Boswell, Hitachi Rail MD, apologises to passengers for problems on the train from Bristol today pic.twitter.com/ocREKpHAFS

— Hitachi Rail Europe (@HitachiRailEU) October 16, 2017

How many other suppliers would have done this and so quickly?

Great Western IEP Launch - the highs and lows...

A day of mixed blessings…

Oh dear...there was a problem with the air con on the new GWR train from #Bristol to #London this morning... pic.twitter.com/s2i8HFdnFF

— BBC Points West (@bbcpointswest) October 16, 2017

First IET zooming out of Paddington Station using electric power #GWRNewTrains pic.twitter.com/rZOUFNsgjx

— Network Rail Western (@networkrailwest) October 16, 2017

Take your son to work today was a great success. pic.twitter.com/X4YnON39kL

— Kevin Schofield (@PolhomeEditor) October 16, 2017

Fault delays launch of new Great Western Railway train https://t.co/JiBMvCYHFg pic.twitter.com/NIz9HYBjvU

— ITV News WestCountry (@itvwestcountry) October 16, 2017

1345 @gwrhelp to Swansea is supposed to be a #GWRNewTrains, but look what's turned up instead! Another Great Western electrification farce. pic.twitter.com/C0lpLqRx8E

— Down Relief (@downrelief) October 16, 2017

This new train is as smooth as butter @HitachiRailEU @GWRHelp #GWRNewTrains pic.twitter.com/iKc1y6YvxE

— Garry Keenor (@25kV) October 16, 2017

Seamless switch from diesel to electric on @GWRHelp IEP at 100mph+. A UK first! pic.twitter.com/keE8YQevIB

— Garry Keenor (@25kV) October 16, 2017

To put the carping to one side, eight years after the contract was originally signed the new trains are finally entering service. 

Therefore, on balance, very good news!