03.07.20
Greater Anglia new electric commuter trains testing continues
Greater Anglia are currently in the depths of replacing their old trains with brand new state-of-the-art modern trains, including 111 trains from UK train manufacturer Bombardier.
There are now four Bombardier trains on the Greater Anglia network, but before they can go into passenger service, they have to endure a run of safety and performance tests.
Despite the Covid-19 outbreak, those tests have continued, with the new trains programme team taking advantage of a condensed passenger service, which has made more time available on the network for test runs.
Recent tests have included electromagnetic compatibility testing across the whole network, such as Hertford East, Norwich, Southend, Cambridge and Ipswich, to check how the trains interact with signals and overhead lines.
Greater Anglia Franchise and Programme Director, Ian McConnell, said: “We have to test trains’ equipment, such as the pantograph, which connects the train to the overhead wire to get power, doors, passenger information system and other on-board systems.
“We carry out checks to see how the trains interact with signals and overhead lines and we need to see how they perform at different speeds across the routes where they will be in passenger service.
“We’re looking for any faults that might develop after the trains have put some miles on the clock as we want to make sure that once they’re in service, they’re as reliable as possible.”
Will Tanner, Bombardier Transportation Communications Director said: “We can’t wait to get these British-designed and -built trains into service, but state-of-the-art trains means it’s even more important to test everything before passenger service begins. We and Greater Anglia are working as a team to make the most of the extra time available to us on their network.”
Images/Video: Greater Anglia