24.09.12
Class 455 revamp contract agreed
Stagecoach South West has signed a £23m contract with Porterbrook Leasing Company for the refurbishment of Class 455 trains. The contract will see the complete revamping of 91 four-car Class 455 electrical multiple units from November 2012.
The improvements include greater accessibility for wheelchair users such as wheelchair ramps and a call for aid button in wheelchair positions.
The train is also expected to appear entirely different as it will receive a heavy clean and a full external repaint. Exterior doors will have compliant external door sounders and internal door handles will be altered to suit the new design.
Paul Francis, managing director for Porterbrook said: “We are very proud of what we and SSW have done with the Class 455s and we are keen to continue investing in this fleet which has not only improved in reliability but continues to provide a better journey experience for passengers. This will be enhanced still further by the inclusion of the PRMTSI modifications.”
Between 2004 and 2007, the South West Trains Class 455 EMUs received a large refurbishment, where the vehicles were ‘blasted bare’ and all corrosion was replaced with new metal. New lights and a passenger information system were implemented, ensuring a comfortable and bright design.
The new project is set to take a total of four years.
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