A TRAINBUILDER says rolling stock made in the North-East has passed another industry test ahead of its operational debut.

Hitachi Rail Europe says its Class 800s have been approved by the Department for Transport to run their digital technology on UK lines.

Bosses say the apparatus will help the rail sector improve performance, with drivers fed increasing amounts of information on speed changes and potential track hazards to help services move with greater efficiency.

The rolling stock is being built at the company’s £82m plant in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, and will operate across the East Coast and Great Western routes.

Bosses say a train, fitted with new digital apparatus, was scrutinised at a Network Rail base in Hertfordshire, with testing featuring a recreation of real-life scenarios experienced on the network.

Andy Rogers, Hitachi Rail Europe programme director, said: “Our new trains are helping to transform UK rail by using industry- leading technology.

“Passing digital signalling tests is a major breakthrough for the industry and another step towards easing the problem of overcrowding.

“The trains will significantly boost capacity on some of the busiest routes in the country through more seats, greater use of on-board space and pioneering technology.”

Hitachi’s Great Western trains, built alongside East Coast models under the Government’s InterCity Express Programme (IEP), are expected to enter service in the autumn.

The firm’s East Coast stock is scheduled to begin operations in 2018.

Earlier this month, The Northern Echo revealed the company’s Aycliffe plant was now home to more than 1,000 workers, with Alistair Dormer, global chief executive of Hitachi Rail’s systems business, saying it could soon bring further contracts to the North-East factory.

Mr Dormer confirmed the business is bidding for new work, which has the potential to bolster operations at Aycliffe.

As well as its IEP deal, the business is also producing 100mph models destined for Scotland and has a deal in place to supply the FirstGroup TransPennine Express franchise, which links the North- East with Manchester and Scotland, with 19 five-car trains.

However, Mr Dormer told the Echo that the company is tendering for further agreements, which are focused on rolling stock for the West Midlands and the South-East.

If successful, those deals could come to Aycliffe, with Hitachi officials confirming the factory will be strongly considered in future production schedules.

He said: “There is still a lot of opportunity out there and we are bidding at the moment on one deal for trains in the West Midlands.

“We will also be looking this year for the South-East franchise.

“We cannot win everything but there is a good pipeline for us.”

Mr Dormer also reiterated previously- announced intentions to secure HS2 and London underground work, the latter of which would be alongside Bombardier.