Maiden journey for new 140mph train
Updated on 18 June 2009
A rail company is showing off its new 140mph train ahead of the start of passenger services.
Invited guests will travel on the Japanese-built Class 395 train on a round-trip from London to Ashford in Kent.
The train is being introduced by the Southeastern rail company in a preview service on June 29 which will precede a full service starting on December 13 between London's St Pancras station and Ebbsfleet in north Kent and Ashford.
The Hitachi trains will run on the Channel Tunnel high-speed rail link line which is now known as High Speed 1 and will drastically reduce journey times for commuters in Kent.
Ashford-London journey times will come down to just 37 minutes, from about an hour and 20 minutes, while Ebbsfleet-London will take 17 minutes.
The trains will provide the "Javelin" service which will whisk spectators from St Pancras in London to the Olympic site at Stratford in east London in just seven minutes during the 2012 London Games.
However, passengers using the new service later this month will have to pay more for the pleasure.
A single fare from Ashford to St Pancras which now costs £22.20 will go up to £26.60, although all first-class ticketholders will travel at no extra cost.
Southeastern has said the new fares "offer value for money for passengers".
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