Rail operator unveils new fleet of Derby-built trains

A rail operator has unveiled its new electric train fleet, which has been built by Derby train-maker Alstom.

This week, West Midlands Railway’s new Class 730 fleet, entered into service for the first time. carrying passengers between Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Walsall.

Later this year, the fleet will enter service on the busy Cross City Line, connecting Lichfield, Birmingham, Redditch and Bromsgrove.

Built at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane site in Derby, the fleet is made up of 48 three-carriage trains – making a total of 144 new carriages.

The Class 730s are part of a £700 million investment in new fleets and infrastructure by West Midlands Railway to help boost capacity.

The trains feature accessible toilets, digital information screens, air conditioning, underfloor heating and power points at every seat.

Nick Crossfield, managing director of Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “This is a proud moment for everyone involved as our Derby-designed and built trains enter passenger service across the West Midlands.

“Part of the Aventra family – the country’s biggest train manufacturing programme in a generation – this state-of-the-art train exemplifies Alstom’s commitment to smart and sustainable mobility.

“Working in partnership with West Midlands Railway we are delighted to provide passengers across the region with a cutting-edge and comfortable travel experience that offers a much greener alternative to the car.

“We now look forward to seeing the Class 730 enter service on the Cross City Line later this year, where our trains will double capacity for customers.”

Ian McConnell, managing director of West Midlands Railway, said: “These modern electric trains represent a huge upgrade to the experience of travelling by train in the West Midlands.

“Not only are the Class 730s physically longer than the trains they replace, meaning they can carry more people, the carriage interiors have been designed in a spacious, metro-style to maximise space.

“With modern features such as digital information screens, power points at every seat and accessible toilets, I am certain they will prove popular.”