New London Overground trains will have USB ports, wifi and more wheelchair space
The new fleet is expected to be rolled out from November
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Your support makes all the difference.Transport for London (TfL) has revealed a new fleet of state-of-the-art London Overground trains.
The trains feature USB charging points, wi-fi and the capacity to carry almost 700 passengers.
Additional features include more space for wheelchairs, the latest intelligent lighting and temperature control for more comfortable journeys, plus digital information screens providing passengers with high quality, real-time travel information while on board.
The class 710 trains will also debut a new colour scheme and seat fabric.
A total of 54 new trains are being built at Bombardier Transport’s UK site in Derby, where 120 local engineering staff have worked on the design and testing of the trains.
The new fleet is expected to enter service by November and will initially be rolled out on the Gospel Oak to Barking route.
This particular line has grown exponentially since becoming integrated into the TfL network and the new trains are expected to relieve congestion on this popular line between north and east London.
Final approval of the work conducted by Network Rail to electrify the Gospel Oak to Barking route was completed last week, which signals the next phase of this project. The new fleet will now be tested on this infrastructure over the summer to prove it meets TfL’s stringent safety requirements.
Jonathan Fox, TfL’s director of rail and sponsored services, said: “Our new state-of-the-art British built London Overground trains will be an exciting addition to London’s transport network and help boost capacity on some of the most busy and popular lines.”
Will Rogers, managing director of Arriva Rail London, the train operating company responsible for running the London Overground network, said: “The London Overground is vitally important to the thousands of people who use it every day. This is why we are focused on continuously improving the travelling experience for our customers and working environment for our people.
“Our team has been working hard to prepare for the introduction of these new trains and we are really excited about the benefits they will bring in the long-term.“
This fleet of brand new trains forms part of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy, which aims to create a “fairer, greener, healthier and more prosperous city” by improving public transport and reducing reliance on car journeys.
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