The first Stadler bi-mode FLIRT trains for Greater Anglia should be ready for testing in March. The first unit will then arrive in the UK this autumn, and is expected to enter traffic in May 2019.
Stadler is building 14 three-car and 24 four-car FLIRTS in Bussnang (Switzerland), and 20 12-car Class 745 electric multiple units.
No routes have been confirmed for their introduction, but eventually they will be used on Norwich-Great Yarmouth/Lowestoft/Sheringham branches, and Lowestoft-Ipswich, Ipswich-Cambridge/Peterborough routes. The Norwich-Cambridge service will be extended to Stansted Airport, and Lowestoft-Ipswich trains will be boosted by four through trains to London Liverpool Street.
GA Managing Director Jamie Burles said: “We’re very excited about our new trains. When you see photos like this, it’s possible to imagine what an amazing change to our customers’ journeys these brand new trains will make. There will be more seats. Everyone will be able to plug in their mobile phones or laptops, with fast free WiFi on every train."
- For the full story, read RAIL 846, published on February 14, and available digitally on iPad and Android from February 10.
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AndrewJGwilt1989 - 07/02/2018 23:44
Can’t wait. The Aventra Class 720 and Class 745 Flirt EMU’s will enter service from summer next year.
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AndrewJGwilt1989 - 09/02/2018 15:11
New trains for East Anglia is what the people of the Eastern Region who use Greater Anglia wants to see. Instead of keeping old ageing trains that constantly breaks down time after time and disrupting services and causing endless delays. This is why I can’t wait to see from Autumn this year and next year.
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