02.03.16
Heathrow Express Class 332s taken out of service for ‘foreseeable future’
Structural defects have been found on the underside of a number of Heathrow Express Class 332 trains, which have been taken out of service “for the foreseeable future.”
The Class 332s are undergoing further examination and maintenance, assisted by engineers sent from Germany and Spain by Siemens and CAF. The problem first became apparent on Sunday when a ‘crack’ was discovered on one train.
Fraser Brown, director of Heathrow Express, said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority. We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused so far, and assure passengers that we are doing everything we can to return to running a full and safe service, as quickly as possible. We would like to thank all our customers for their patience.”
Class 360 units, which are usually used on the Heathrow Connect route, have been brought in to provide a 15 minute service.
Pre-bought Heathrow Connect tickets will be accepted on the Heathrow Express, and 140 bus services between Heathrow and Hayes & Harlington. They will also be accepted on the London Underground between Paddington and Heathrow.
(Image c. AandT)