There have been protests in the past by commuters angry at crowded
   conditions on First Great Western trains, but the new trains will have
   up to 24 per cent more seats compared to the majority of the High Speed
   Trains serving the route today.

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   announcement builds on our significant and sustained investment in the
   British rail sector. This contract with First Great Western recognises
   the quality of Hitachi's high-speed trains and our world class
   engineering capability.

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   The project is viewed by the government as a positive step for an
   improvement in rail provision, similar to the benefits the HS2 plan
   will bring.

   The first phase of HS2, from London to Birmingham, is due to open in
   2026, with a second Y-shaped phase to Manchester and Leeds due for
   completion around 2032/33.

   However the high-speed rail route linking the north with London has
   proved a divisive issue, with opponents claiming it will mean houses
   knocked down, wildlife killed, and natural habitat destroyed.