Greater Anglia has revealed details of some of the innovative features its new electric commuter trains, which are currently being tested on the network.
Bombardier is supplying 111 new Class 720 trains, with the first due to enter passenger service later this year.
The trains have a range of features which will improve passengers’ experience of travelling by rail, including anti-trap doors, reactive LED lighting and underfloor heating are just some of the innovative features on Greater Anglia’s brand new electric commuter trains, currently being tested on the network.
Many of the seats are fitted with fold-down seat-back tables, which have special grooves to make it easier to prop up phones or tablets – handy for customers catching up with TV or films while travelling, taking advantage of the fast free Wi-Fi on board each train.
The trains are longer, with more seats than the trains they replace. The seats, which are not in use on any other trains in the UK, have been specially designed for Greater Anglia, to maximise comfort for the person sitting on them and improve legroom for the person sitting behind. There are also overhead luggage racks for storing bags
Better passenger information screens give clearer information in every carriage and, in future, could provide other useful information, such as onward travel options, as well as the normal train journey details.
There are no doors between carriages, so it is easier for passengers to walk down the train. This feature makes some travellers feel safer and, combined with large picture windows and LED lighting, make the trains appear light and airy.
Every train also has dedicated spaces for two wheelchairs and four bicycles.
Ian McConnell, Greater Anglia franchise and programmes director said: “It’s been very exciting to see these new trains in action and experience all of the brilliant features which will improve our customers’ journeys.
“We’re still able to make a few minor tweaks to the design to make them as good as they can be. I’m confident that passengers will find them a big improvement on the old trains they are replacing.
“We can’t wait to get these new trains into passenger service and complete our transformation of our railway with the wholescale replacement of every single train.”
Bombardier Transportation.
Bombardier UK communications director Will Tanner added: “Greater Anglia has specified a cutting-edge, British-designed and built Aventra train, packed with innovative passenger features.
“We are all working hard to get them into service as soon as possible.”
Angel Trains is procuring and financing the 665 Bombardier carriages which make up the 111 trains – 22 in 10-car formations and 89 five-car.
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