Greater Anglia has announced it Class 317 trains will run for the last time on Saturday 16 July, as the roll out of its new suburban trains continues. The introduction of new trains has already reached the point where Class 317s are now primarily used for cover and contingency, rather than on a planned basis and the last Class 317s are due to be withdrawn from service by the end of this month.
To give enthusiasts the chance to take a final trip on these trains which have given sterling service over 40 years, a pair of 317s will be scheduled to be used on the following services this Saturday:
- London Liverpool Street to Hertford East: 06.12, 08.12, 10.12, 12.12, 14.12, 16.12, 18.12, 20.12, 22.12
- Hertford East to London Liverpool Street : 07.09, 09.09, 11.09, 13.09, 15.09, 17.09, 19.09, 21.09, 23.09
Although the Class 317s may be used on an unplanned basis over the next few weeks, this will be the last pre-planned operation of them in service, providing a final trip for those wishing to say goodbye to the trains – which have covered millions of miles over their lifetimes.
The Class 317s are being replaced by Class 720 electric trains, built by Alstom, which provide more seats, air conditioning, plug and USB points, Wi-Fi, better accessibility features, and dedicated cycle spaces.
Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia’s head of corporate affairs said: “We’re close to reaching another milestone in the roll out of our new train fleet, with the upcoming withdrawal from service of the Class 317 trains. We’re pleased to provide a chance for those wishing to bid farewell to these trains, which have served West Anglia passengers well for over 30 years, to take a final trip on them this Saturday.”
Image credit: Greater Anglia
