Transport for London (TfL) unveiled the first new British built and designed London Overground train, manufactured by Bombardier Transport UK site in Derby. The first 8 new trains will be introduced on the newly electrified Gospel Oak to Barking by November replacing the existing diesel trains operating on this line. They will be operated by Arriva Rail London on behalf of TfL.
‘Class 710’ trains include the latest intelligent lighting and temperature control for more comfortable journeys, as well as Wi-Fi, USB charging points and digital information screens giving passengers higher quality real time travel information while on board.
The new electric trains will have four-cars, which will double the capacity of the current diesel fleet to almost 700 customers per train, relieving congestion on Gospel Oak – Barking line between north and east London. They are constructed from strong but lightweight material, making them much more energy efficient to operate, and feature walk-through carriages for greater capacity and improved accessibility with more wheelchair spaces.
Final approval of the work carried out 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 trains will now be tested on this new infrastructure over the summer to prove they meet TfL’s safety and reliability requirements.
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