London Northwestern Railway (LNR) managing director Julian Edwards has visited Bombardier Transportation’s factory in Derby to see for himself progress on his new fleet of Class 730 trains.
LNR has ordered 45 new trains – a total of 225 carriages – for the West Coast main line, with sister company West Midlands Railway taking a further 108 carriages for its Birmingham services.
The trains offer intelligent air conditioning systems, free WiFi, at-seat power and USB sockets as well as dedicated wheelchair spaces and bicycle storage.
Construction of the first train of the new fleet has been completed and the unit is currently undergoing testing in Europe ahead of its expected introduction into passenger service next year.
During his visit, Julian said: “These superb new electric trains will enhance the travelling experience for our customers and I am delighted to see for myself that progress has been continuing apace despite the challenge of coronavirus.
“This is one of two new fleets we are introducing as we increase our capacity by 25% as we continue to welcome passengers back to the railway.
“Now more than ever our £700m investment into our new train projects will play a vital role in the future of train travel right across our network.”
Matt Byrne, president UK & Ireland Bombardier Transportation, replied: “These cutting-edge AVENTRA trains will transform journeys for LNR’s passengers all along the West Coast Main Line. Designed and built here in the UK, they represent the future of rail travel for the LNR network.”
The £700 million investment in new trains by West Midlands Trains includes a new diesel fleet for West Midlands Railway, which will introduce 26 new Class 196 diesel trains onto its Birmingham-Hereford and Birmingham-Shrewsbury routes.
