South Western Railway (SWR) has reached a significant landmark in its Arterio fleet rollout programme, with the 30th Arterio diagram now in service. This achievement marks a step-change in suburban rail travel across the network.
The 30 Arterio trains are currently operating more than 390 daily services, transforming journeys for tens of thousands of customers. The new fleet now serves all 96 stations on SWR’s suburban network, including key locations such as Ascot, Barnes, Earlsfield, Feltham, Guildford, Hampton Court, Hounslow, Kingston, Putney, Reading, Richmond, Surbiton, Twickenham, Wimbledon and Woking.
Each 10-car Arterio offers over 50% more capacity than the eight-car Class 455 trains they replace, delivering a substantial boost in space and comfort. Backed by a £1 billion investment, the fleet introduces modern features such as Wi-Fi, charging points at every seat, real-time information, accessible toilets and air conditioning—enhancing the customer experience and setting new standards for suburban travel.
Since SWR’s transfer into public ownership in May 2025, the number of Arterios in service has more than quadrupled, driving a 12% increase in weekday suburban capacity into London Waterloo between 7am and 10am. Some routes have seen even greater gains, including Chessington (21%), Kingston (20%), Aldershot via Staines (24%), Reading (17%) and Shepperton (23%).
This uplift is improving commuting for the 135,000 customers passing through Waterloo each weekday. Recent industry surveys* show customer satisfaction with space on board Arterios is significantly higher (86%) compared to the Class 455s they replace (77%).
SWR plans to introduce two more Arterios before Christmas and, as part of the Great British Railways brand launch on 9 December, confirmed its ambition to have three-quarters of planned Arterio schedules in place by the end of Summer 2026.
While customers are embracing the new blue Arterio trains, nostalgia for the outgoing red Class 455s remains strong. A special charity Class 455 Farewell tour sold out in just 15 seconds, prompting a second farewell train—also sold out. More than 900 rail enthusiasts will gather on 21 December to celebrate the retirement of a fleet that has served South West London, Berkshire and Surrey for 42 years.
Lawrence Bowman, Managing Director, South Western Railway and Network Rail Wessex, said:
"This is a major milestone for customers on our suburban railway, who are now more and more likely to catch an Arterio for their morning commute. The new trains provide a step-change in capacity, reliability and comfort for the tens of thousands of customers who travel through Waterloo every day, and their positive feedback is fantastic to see.
Our publicly owned railway is on track to bring even more Arterios into service over the coming months, taking us ever closer to our goal of transforming every journey across our suburban network."
Lord Hendy, Rail Minister, added:
"The introduction of the 30th Arterio train is a clear example of the kind of improvement publicly owned rail operators can deliver to put passengers first.
The increased capacity and better on-board facilities will make journeys more comfortable, encouraging more people to choose rail.
Through nationalisation and the establishment of Great British Railways, we're putting railways back into the service of passengers. Our reforms will drive up standards and improve accountability to make journeys easier and better value for money, so we can deliver economic growth, jobs and homes."
Image credits: South Western Railway
