SWR's new suburban fleet to begin testing
16 June 2020: South Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood says: "I’m writing to update you on the latest development from our £1bn Class 701 programme to transform passengers’ journeys on the suburban network.
"On Wednesday 10 June, the first 10-car Class 701 train of the 90-strong fleet arrived on our network. Stabled at Eastleigh, the train will be commissioned as part of the train manufacturer’s – Bombardier's – network testing regime to gain Office for Road and Rail certification for full passenger usage ahead of the fleet being introduced later this year.
"Next month, we will begin a full programme of testing, where we will assess features, including the train’s communications systems, environmentally friendly toilets, sensitive edge doors, regenerative braking and onboard features like Wi-Fi and at-seat charging points.
"The new fleet represents a massive investment in more modern, faster and reliable services, and reflects our commitment to transform customers’ everyday experiences travelling on the network. Fitted with modern technology, these new trains will help more of our customers arrive on time in the morning and evening peak periods, to and from London Waterloo, on one of Europe’s busiest rail networks.
"The programme is gathering pace and we’re entering an important phase as we begin real-world testing on our network, with more trains expected to arrive over the coming weeks and months."
More information, videos and pictures can be found HERE
"On Wednesday 10 June, the first 10-car Class 701 train of the 90-strong fleet arrived on our network. Stabled at Eastleigh, the train will be commissioned as part of the train manufacturer’s – Bombardier's – network testing regime to gain Office for Road and Rail certification for full passenger usage ahead of the fleet being introduced later this year.
"Next month, we will begin a full programme of testing, where we will assess features, including the train’s communications systems, environmentally friendly toilets, sensitive edge doors, regenerative braking and onboard features like Wi-Fi and at-seat charging points.
"The new fleet represents a massive investment in more modern, faster and reliable services, and reflects our commitment to transform customers’ everyday experiences travelling on the network. Fitted with modern technology, these new trains will help more of our customers arrive on time in the morning and evening peak periods, to and from London Waterloo, on one of Europe’s busiest rail networks.
"The programme is gathering pace and we’re entering an important phase as we begin real-world testing on our network, with more trains expected to arrive over the coming weeks and months."
More information, videos and pictures can be found HERE