Stansted Express is taking a big leap forward, with the arrival of the first of the new trains that will replace existing units.
New Greater Anglia Stadler Class 755 Stansted Express train being delivered – Image, Greater Anglia.
The train is manufactured by Stadler of Switzerland. This is a 12-car train – and the first of ten that are being delivered to Greater Anglia (The operator of the Stansted Express). An additional 10 trains will be delivered for the London to Norwich service (which will feature first-class seating).
With the train being delivered from Switzerland – it won’t enter service for some time, as crew training and clearance to enter service (including safety and performances tests) on the UK Rail network is completed.
The Stansted Express units will be optimised for passenger space, whilst the Intercity units for Norwich will feature a café-bar and first class seating area.
The trains will feature at seat charging via USB and three-pin plugs. Wi-Fi will be provisioned, along with passenger information screens.
Testing is due to commence during March – initially with night-time testing between Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester. This will then be extended for night train testing between Norwich and Diss to make sure that the train is fully compatible with Network Rail’s signalling system.
In quotes
Ian McConnell, Greater Anglia Franchising and Programmes Director, said:
“It was an incredible sight to see this long modern-looking train travelling along our line. It’s a glimpse of the near future, when they will be carrying more passengers in comfort and style between Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and London.”
Martino Celeghini, Stadler technical project manager, said:
“This order was a highly significant one for us, and we are delighted that within three years of contract-signing, trains were arriving on British soil.
“Following the start of testing on the bi-modes at the end of last year, we are pleased to begin working on testing and commissioning these electric trains with our UK partners.”
Renewing the Greater Anglia fleet
Greater Anglia’s fleet is a mishmash of classic British Rail Mark III coaches, Class 90 Locomotives, Class 317/321/360, Class 153/156 Sprinters, Class 170 Turbostars as well as the modern Class 379 trains that are currently used on the Stansted Express route. The whole fleet is being replaced as part of its franchise commitment with:
- Class 720 Bombardier Aventras (5 car and 10 car formations)
- Class 745 Stadler Flirt for Stansted Express and Intercity services (12 car formations)
- Class 755 Stadler Flirt Bi-Mode Units for regional services in three and four car formations)
It’s a big job to be done – and will mark Stadler’s entry to the UK Market, as well as the beginning of renewing the commuter routes in East Anglia – as well as improving airport connectivity.
With the promised improvements to be delivered in the cabin of the train, it will make the journey between the airport a lot more bearable.
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