It was assigned both passenger and freight duty until the introduction of the 8200 series, which restricted the older locomotives to solely freight service. 94 were built (numbered 8001-8094), but many have been retired as new replacements enter service.
Until the introduction of the 8200 series, it handled both passenger and freight duties. The older locomotives were then restricted to freight service. A total of ninety-four units (numbered 8001-8094) were built but many have been retired as newer models enter service.