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SWR new £1bn Arterio fleet to transform passenger travel

Today (25 Aug) South Western Railway have revealed Arterio as the name for the new £1 billion train fleet set to revolutionise travel across South West London, Surrey and Berkshire.

SWR’s Managing Director revealed the name during a special event at Wimbledon depot, with the name reflecting the suburban network’s importance to the nation’s capital.

London Waterloo, the UK’s busiest station, is at the centre of SWR’s network whilst their suburban routes feed into it, taking people to work and school, or even to the capital’s exciting sites and then home again.

The new fleet will replace some of the network’s oldest trains, the 90-strong fleet will offer better reliability and performance, transporting more passengers where they want to go, on time and in comfort.

The Arterio fleet will provide more comfortable and connected journeys, with on-board WiFi, charging points at seats throughout, screens showing real-time service information, air-conditioning, a first of fully accessible toilets across the network and dedicated wheelchair spaces.  

The first Arterio train is anticipated to be introduced later this year on the Reading line, with a total of 750 new carriages to be introduced over the following two years.

Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: "This is an important milestone for South Western Railway. This new fleet which will offer improved reliability and better facilities, getting passengers across the South West to their destination in comfort and on time.

"As services begin to return to normal levels and passenger numbers increase, it is our upmost priority to ensure everyone stays safe when travelling, which is why we continue to advise people to wear a face covering, travel at quieter times, wash their hands regularly and maintain social distancing."

Matt Byrne, President UK & Ireland, Bombardier Transportation said: "We are delighted that South Western Railway have chosen the name 'Arterio' for the 750-car fleet we have designed and are now building here in Britain.

"We are working with SWR to bring the trains into service as rapidly as possible, so they can help transform the vital routes serving London's Waterloo Station."

Mark Hopwood, South Western Railway’s Managing Director, said: "The name Arterio reflects how important this fleet will be in carrying people in and out of the heart of the capital.

"Although passenger numbers may be low at the moment, people will want to travel again whether that is for work or leisure and we will be ready to play our part in helping that recovery. New trains that offer a transformed travelling experience will be key to that.

"The Arterio fleet is a massive investment for our business, and we are looking forward to our passengers joining us on this exciting journey."

Images: South Western Railway