(C) Matthew Wilson
Unit 319373, the flagship demonstrator for the High Speed Logistics (HSL) project, has officially been retired following the successful conclusion of its mission. The unit played a key role in showcasing the feasibility and future potential of high-speed light freight by rail, a concept designed to revolutionise logistics while supporting the industry’s decarbonisation goals.
Initially selected specifically to act as a proof-of-concept platform, 319373 was never intended for long-term service within the logistics fleet. Instead, it served as a visual and operational example to the wider rail industry, highlighting how high-speed passenger EMUs can be repurposed to carry light freight at speed.
The project, developed and led by Rail Operations Group (ROG), yielded valuable operational insights and validated the concept of integrating high-speed logistics into the UK rail network. Since then, the broader HSL initiative has continued to evolve, with other operators beginning their own trials and flows in response to growing interest in fast, sustainable, last-mile freight options.
ROG CEO David Burley commented:
“Rail Operations Group is proud to have spearheaded the industry’s exploration of the opportunities High Speed Logistics presents. This project is a testament to ROG’s ongoing commitment to innovation in rail operations. Behind the scenes, we are diligently working to develop robust and diverse traffic flows, building upon the lessons learned from our pioneering efforts.”
With its demonstration role now complete and the concept proven, 319373 has been formally withdrawn from service and deemed surplus to requirements.
The retirement of 319373 marks a symbolic milestone as the industry shifts from demonstration to real-world implementation. Several freight and passenger operators are now preparing their own high-speed logistics services, building on ROG’s groundwork to meet the growing demand for rapid, green delivery solutions.
