03.03.20
New electric London Overground trains introduced at London Liverpool Street
Passengers who use the London Overground routes from Cheshunt, Chingford and Enfield Town into London Liverpool Street today (March 3rd) saw a boost in capacity, as the first of the new state-of-the-art trains were introduced.
The new electric, walk through trains will improve capacity by around 10 per cent and have a host of customer benefits including air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, real-time information screens, USB charging points and more wheelchair spaces, improving accessibility.
The new trains, which have been built by Bombardier Transportation in Derby, will replace the oldest rolling stock operating on the London Overground ensuring customers receive a more reliable service as well as the additional features.
They will run as four-car trains and at peak times will have the option to be connected and operate as longer eight-car units. This is to aid increased capacity during the morning and evening busy services to meet better customer demand.
The new trains will be introduced in phases on these routes to ensure there a smooth transition period. It is planned for all the new trains to be in service by the end of June.
Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander, said: “I’m delighted that London Overground services into London Liverpool Street are now being served by electric trains. These new state-of-the-art trains will improve reliability, boost capacity and deliver a range of additional benefits to passengers including free Wi-Fi and real-time information screens.”
TfL’s General Manager for London Overground, Rory O’Neill, said: “Customers will start to notice new trains being introduced onto their routes from today providing a boost in capacity, especially at peak times. They will also benefit from walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, real-time information screens and USB charging points.”
Images: TfL