New Elizabeth line trains enter service with first of ten running today
Nine-carriage Class 345 Aventra units built in Derby will boost capacity ahead of Old Oak Common HS2 station opening
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Passengers on the Elizabeth line can now board the first of ten new Class 345 Aventra trains, Transport for London announced. The nine-carriage units, built at Alstom’s Derby factory, entered service today following months of mainline testing.
The trains were funded by the UK Government and are intended to meet rising demand on the line. This includes future capacity needs at Old Oak Common, the planned HS2 interchange in northwest London, which is scheduled to open in the coming years.
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Built in Derby with UK supply chain
Alstom’s Derby factory assembled the trains, with components sourced from nearly 40 UK companies. The project supported over 1,000 jobs across the country, the manufacturer said.
Each train contains five miles of welding, 50 miles of cabling, 47,700 screws and 31,700 bolts. The units underwent extensive testing on the mainline railway before entering passenger service, Transport for London confirmed.
Greater Anglia signs £800m deal for train maintenance
A 15-year agreement will ensure the upkeep of 133 Aventra trains and support 100 jobs.
Seeing the first of the additional ten Elizabeth line units enter passenger service is a special moment for everyone involved at our Derby site, as well as all those across the country involved in their creation.
Nimesh Tailor, project director Elizabeth line at Alstom
Nimesh Tailor, Alstom’s project director for the Elizabeth line, said the team in Derby would continue to deliver the remaining nine trains with the same rigour. The final units are expected to enter service by 2025.
What happens next
Testing of the remaining nine Class 345 Aventra trains will continue on the mainline railway. Transport for London has not confirmed exact dates for their introduction but expects all ten to be in service by 2025.
Questions this report answers
+How many new Elizabeth line trains are being added?
Ten new Class 345 Aventra trains are being introduced. The first entered passenger service today, with the remaining nine expected to follow by 2025, Transport for London confirmed.
+Where were the new Elizabeth line trains built?
The trains were built at Alstom’s factory in Derby. The project involved nearly 40 UK companies and supported over 1,000 jobs across the country, Alstom said.
+Will the new trains help with HS2?
Yes. The trains are intended to support increased passenger demand, including at Old Oak Common, the future HS2 interchange in northwest London, Transport for London said.
+When will all ten new trains be in service?
Transport for London expects all ten Class 345 Aventra trains to be in service by 2025. Testing of the remaining nine units is ongoing on the mainline railway.
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