Cambridge commuters set for new travel experience with state of the art new trains for the region

Greater Anglia planning to introduce new trains across the region by the Autumn of 2019

Cambridgeshire commuters are set to benefit from state-of-the-art new trains across the region from the winter of 2019.

UK train manufacturer Bombardier, based in Derby, is making 111 new electric trains for Greater Anglia to replace all of the company’s ageing rolling stock throughout Cambridgeshire while stadler in Switzerland is making a further 58.

Bombardier is making 665 new carriages, which will form 22 10-carriage trains and 89 five-carriage trains and new design details will see passengers benefit from more comfort, leg room and gadget infrastructure to ensure they can enjoy the on-board experience to the fullest.

Andrew Goodrum, Greater Anglia business readiness director, believes the future for passengers commuting into London Liverpool Street from East Anglia has never been brighter.

He said: “They will be replacing some of our existing rolling stock which is now four decades old.

“These replacements are state-of-the-art, modern trains which will transform the customer environment for many of those in the region, particularly those travelling from Cambridge.

“The total cost of replacing every piece of rolling stock is £1.4billion and it is the biggest fleet replacement seen in the UK.”

But it is on board where the customers will really enjoy an improved travel experience. Every train will have more seats, air conditioning, plug and USB sockets in the seating, accessible toilets, cycle spaces and free fast wifi.

There will also be improved customer information screens in each carriage, with details of available seats across the whole train, as well as destination data.

“There are no doors between the carriages, making it easier to walk through the train.

Mr Goodrum added: “The seats have been specially designed for us and have an ‘S’ shape at the back so they are very supportive.

“We’ve done away with the heating grills near people’s feet and the trains will have underfloor heating.

“On the drop-down tables on the seats for example, there are grooves which will allow people to stand their mobile phone or iPad up and watch a film while going along.

“These keep them stable and makes for a much better viewing position.

“Hopefully, the new trains will be in service by the winter timetable of 2019.”