C2C’s Class 357 Electrostar fleet hits significant milestone

c2c’s fleet of Class 357 ‘Electrostar’ trains have reached a significant milestone, recently surpassing 150 million service miles.

The 357s have been a regular feature on the London to Essex route since the early 2000’s with just under 100 in service. The landmark mileage equates to two million miles per train, a distance roughly equivalent to a journey from Earth to Mars.

The 357s replaced the outdated slam-door trains previously used by British Rail. The fleet reached its first million miles per unit milestone in 2013, followed by a combined 100 million miles achieved in 2017. Since 2016, the trains have clocked up over seven million miles annually, translating to  175,000 trips between Shoeburyness and London Fenchurch Street.

c2c’s operations and engineering director, Laura McEwen, commented on the achievement: "Our trusty and well-known 357s have become synonymous with c2c and our route ever since their introduction over two decades ago.

"Year after year, c2c ranks among the most punctual and reliable train operators in the UK, and it's no surprise that our fleet of 357s plays a crucial role in this success. Our award-winning engineering and maintenance teams work tirelessly, 24/7, to ensure the 357s are fully operational to serve the tens of thousands of passengers they carry daily."

The 357 ‘Electrostar’ trains are widely recognised as one of the most reliable trains in the country and has been a key driver in c2c's recent receipt of prestigious awards such as the 'Golden Spanner' and 'Golden Whistle'.

C2c welcomed the Class 720 Aventra trains that were built by Alstom last October, with 12 sets currently in service.

McEwan added: "Our 357s have many more years and millions of miles left in them. They will continue to serve our customers, alongside our new Aventra Class 720 trains, for many years to come."

@rwilcockrail