Class 395

Class 395
Name	Class 395
Caption	High-speed electric multiple unit
Service	2009–present
Manufacturer	Hitachi/ and Bombardier Transportation consortium
Family	A-Train
Yearconstruction	2007–2009
Numberbuilt	29 trainsets
Formation	6 cars per trainset
Operator	Southeastern
Depots	St Philip's Marsh TMD, Slade Green Depot
Lines	High Speed 1, South Eastern Main Line
Gauge	Standard gauge
Electricsystem	25 kV AC overhead / 750 V DC third rail
Maxspeed	225 km/h (140 mph)

Class 395 is a high-speed electric multiple unit introduced into passenger service in 2009 to operate on the High Speed 1 route between London and Kent. Built by a consortium led by Hitachi as part of the A-Train family and maintained by regional depots such as St Philip's Marsh TMD, these trainsets provided the first domestic high-speed intercity link using continental-standard electrification in the United Kingdom. The fleet played a role in preparations for the 2012 Summer Olympics and influenced subsequent rolling stock procurements by operators including Southeastern and manufacturers like Bombardier Transportation.

Design and development

The trainsets were conceived following the completion of High Speed 1 and the need to serve services from London St Pancras to towns in Kent and beyond, under franchises awarded after the Railways Act 1993-era reorganisations. Procurement involved international bidders including Hitachi, Bombardier, Alstom, and Siemens, with the winning consortium offering a derivative of the A-Train concept. Design goals referenced interoperability with continental systems exemplified by Eurostar and compliance with Technical Specifications for Interoperability applicable to high-speed operations. Development incorporated lessons from Japanese multiple-unit programmes such as Shinkansen prototypes and manufacturing practices from the Hitachi Newton Aycliffe facility alongside component supply from IHI Corporation.

Technical specifications

Each 6-car unit employs aluminium carbody construction based on Hitachi A-train modular principles, with powered bogies and traction equipment enabling dual-voltage operation: 25 kV AC from overhead lines on High Speed 1 and 750 V DC third-rail collection on legacy networks including the South Eastern Main Line. Traction systems include IGBT inverters and asynchronous traction motors supplied by partners such as Bombardier Transportation subcontractors. Maximum service speed is 225 km/h (140 mph), with crashworthiness designed to meet European Committee for Standardization norms and compatibility with Network Rail infrastructure. Onboard signalling supports the Train Protection & Warning System and interfaces with the European Train Control System planned for high-speed corridors. Brake systems combine regenerative and pneumatic elements; bogies and suspension were tuned for the transition between continental gauge-compatible running and UK track geometry as seen on routes to Ashford International and Folkestone Central.

Service history

Following testing at facilities including Velim Test Centre and trials on High Speed 1, the fleet entered commercial service in 2009, operated under franchises governed by Department for Transport specifications and overseen by regulators such as the Office of Rail and Road. Early operations supported enhanced timetables ahead of the 2012 Summer Olympics, with units maintained at depots including St Philip's Marsh TMD and Slade Green Depot. The rolling stock influenced franchise bids and later procurements across operators like Great Western Railway and Avanti West Coast that sought high-speed domestic traction. Over time, refurbishment programmes addressed interior updates and reliability upgrades, coordinated with suppliers and overseen by the operator and asset owner Rolling Stock Operating Company.

Operations and routes

Primary services link London St Pancras with Ashford International, Ramsgate, Dover Priory, and commuter stations on the South Eastern Main Line, operating on High Speed 1 for the London–Kent high-speed leg before transferring to conventional lines. Timetables integrated with London terminal operations and connections to services such as Eurostar at international hubs. The fleet also enabled faster airport transfers to London Gatwick Airport via interchange and supported regional connectivity promoted by local authorities including Kent County Council and development initiatives tied to Ebbsfleet International. On occasion units have been rostered for special workings during major events coordinated with Network Rail and British Transport Police.

Passenger information and facilities

Interiors provide standard-class and first-class accommodation with 2+2 and 2+1 seating layouts, respectively, incorporating passenger information systems compliant with operator branding and accessible features aligned with Equality Act 2010 obligations. Onboard amenities include air conditioning, luggage areas for international travellers, power sockets, and passenger information displays linked to Southeastern service control. Accessibility measures cover priority seating, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance procedures coordinated with station staff at locations like London St Pancras and Ashford International.

Accidents and incidents

The fleet has experienced incidents during its service life, including derailments and infrastructure-related events investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and operational responses managed by Network Rail and British Transport Police. Investigations have led to recommendations affecting operating practices, driver training overseen by the operator and signalling upgrades coordinated with national programmes such as ETSI-aligned deployments. No high-profile catastrophic structural failures occurred, and lessons learned informed safety enhancements across similar high-speed and commuter rolling stock programmes.

Category:High-speed trains Category:Hitachi rolling stock