Bombardier Class 730 Aventras being built for West Midlands Railway were unveiled at the manufacturer’s Derby Litchurch Lane facility this week.
WMR Managing Director Julian Edwards and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street visited the production line as well as inspecting a three-car electric multiple unit that was undergoing testing.
Thirty-six three-car Class 730/0 EMUs are being built for WMR, while 45 five-car Class 730s (designated Class 730/1 and ‘730/2’) are on order for London North Western Railway (part of the overall West Midlands Train operation).
The three-car trains will be used on the cross-city routes in Birmingham. They will feature air-conditioning, free WiFi, at-seat power and USB sockets, as well as dedicated wheelchair spaces and bicycle storage.
Already the first EMU (730001) is undergoing testing at the Velim facility in the Czech Republic, with the first trains expected into traffic next year. The WMR fleet will replace Class 323s that will cascade to Northern.
“I am delighted to see for myself that progress has been continuing apace, despite the challenge of Coronavirus. This is one of two new fleets we are introducing as we increase our capacity by 25%, as we continue to welcome passengers back to the railway,” said Edwards.
- For the FULL story, read RAIL 914, published on September 23, and available digitally from September 19.
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Andrew Gwilt - 16/11/2020 08:39
Will London Northwestern Railway allow the Class 350s to operate on the Abbey branch line. Or to keep few Class 319s that are ideal for the Abbey Flyer service between Watford Junction and St. Albans Abbey. With plans to build a passing loop at Bricket Wood if it goes ahead.
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