London’s New bullet train

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced on 27 October that Hitachi is the preferred manufacturer to build new high speed trains to operate on the Kent franchise. The new, technologically advanced ‘bullet’ trains will operate on both domestic railway tracks and the new high speed channel tunnel rail link track, where they will reach speeds of 225 km/h (140 mph). The initiative will provide high speed services from Kent to St Pancras and will support new housing and economic opportunities in the Thames Gateway Growth Area. The new trains will also play a crucial role in the 'javelin shuttle' in London's Olympic transport bid, which will move spectators from central London to the Olympic Park in Stratford in under 8 minutes. The trains are expected to be introduced in 2009.