Derby’s Bombardier has hailed the long-awaited entry into service on a key London commuter route of a train designed and built in the city.
The first Aventra Class 710, manufactured at the train-maker’s Litchurch Lane site, had been due to start operating routes into London Liverpool Street more than a year ago.
However, due to issues with software development, the train’s introduction on the route, which is operated by London Overground, was delayed.
Now, this week, the first Aventra Class 710 began ferrying its first passengers, serving Cheshunt, Chingford and Enfield Town.
Bombardier is supplying London Overground with a new fleet for the route, replacing existing ageing rolling stock.
The new ‘walk-through’ trains come with air conditioning, USB points, real-time information screens and more wheelchair spaces.
According to Matt Byrne, Ƶ president of Bombardier Transportation, the introduction of the Aventra Class 710 on the London Liverpool Street route is significant, as the train’s technology is similar to that found in those it is currently making for other customers.
He said: “The new train’s successful introduction is a major milestone for us because the train’s software is common to other Aventra builds and will help smooth the roll out of other Aventra fleets in production at Derby for Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, and West Midlands and in future c2c."
London Overground’s new trains will run in a four-carriage configuration at peak times, with the option to be connected and operated as eight-carriage units.
Want more business news straight to your inbox?
BusinessLive is your home for business news from around the country - and you can stay in touch with all the latest news through our email alerts.
You can sign up to receive morning news bulletins from every region we cover and to weekly email bulletins covering key economic sectors from manufacturing to technology and enterprise. And we'll send out breaking news alerts for any stories we think you can't miss.
Visit our email preference centre to sign up to all the latest news from BusinessLive.
Heidi Alexander, London’s deputy mayor for transport, said: “I’m delighted that London Overground services into London Liverpool Street are now being served by new electric trains.
“These state-of-the-art trains will improve reliability, boost capacity and deliver a range of additional benefits to passengers including free Wi-Fi and real-time information screens.”
Joanne McCartney, London Assembly Member for Enfield and Haringey, said: “I’m very pleased to see the first new Class 710 train launch on the commuter lines out of Liverpool Street.
More Bombardier stories
“These trains have already been rolled out in other parts of London and it is good to see them coming to our area.
“The long-awaited replacement of the old and antiquated trains with a new, state-of-the-art electric fleet will provide greater capacity, a more comfortable journey and increase the number of wheelchair spaces.”
The new trains are being introduced on a phased basis to ensure a smooth transition. It is expected all the new trains will be in service by the end of June.
