09.04.14
TfL issues tender for new London Overground EMUs
Transport for London (TfL) has started its international search to find a potential supplier of a new electrified fleet.
Consisting of at least 39 new trains, the new fleet will operate on some of the West Anglia mainline routes that will transfer over to TfL on 31 May 2015, as well as on the existing London Overground route between Barking to Gospel Oak.
Until the new rolling stock arrives, TfL will set about refreshing the existing West Anglia train fleet, including deep cleaning and rebranding to provide a cleaner, brighter environment for customers.
TfL has placed the notice on the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), which also provides TfL with the opportunity to order more trains to meet future demand.
Jonathan Fox, TfL’s director of rail, said: “We are inviting train manufacturers worldwide to do business with us. Our customers have already seen huge improvements to the existing London Overground network and we will be bringing that same expertise and those high standards to a wider group of passengers and regular London commuters.”
The new trains will have similar features to the existing London Overground fleet, including walk-through carriages, air-conditioning and improved accessibility and are expected to go into passenger service from mid-2017.
The base order set out in the OJEU Notice is for 39 trains, broken down as follows:
- A full fleet of 30 new London Overground trains on the existing West Anglia route from 2017 (replacing the 28 currently operating);
- One train for the Romford to Upminster line;
- The OJEU also gives TfL options for more trains to meet future demand and provide potential frequency improvements;
- Eight new four-car trains for the electrification of the existing Overground route between Gospel Oak and Barking (GOB).
(Image shows one of London Overground’s existing Bombardier-built Class 378s, copyright TfL)
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