Rail staff at Stansted Airport rallied round to help launch the first of a fleet of 30 new Class 379 trains.
Transport Secretary Phillip Hammond joined them to toast off the new addition to the Stansted Express. The launch had an airline theme consistent with the Stansted Express brand. Mr Hammond told staff the government would continue with plans to invest in expanding capacity on Britain’s railways.
‘We cannot afford not to invest in Britain’s future, even at a time of severe pressure on public spending – and that’s why we are investing £185m in these new trains for the East of England. Our national plans for over 2,100 extra carriages for our commuter railways will increase capacity, ease overcrowding and make our railways fit for the 21st century. These new trains will also be faster and greener than the older rolling stock they replace.’
The 120 extra carriages will run on National Express East Anglia services from London to Stansted Airport and Cambridge. Class 379 trains have a top speed of 100mph. The four-car air conditioned trains are made in Derby by Bombardier Transportation and owned by Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets. 300 of NXEA’s 800 train drivers are being trained to operate the new trains which are entering service well in advance of the London 2012 Olympics.
