Great Western Railway (GWR) has deployed the first two 45 Class 387 Bombardier Electrostar electric trains on the passenger route between Hayes & Harlington and London Paddington.  

The new passenger trains are currently operating on eight services a day, serving the morning and evening rush hour traffic.

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With an additional 1,400 seats, the new units are intended to improve rail services across the Thames Valley, with plans to gradually replace the Turbo trains currently used throughout the network.  

With the new trains, GWR intends to upgrade its fleet, improve journey times, and increase capacity and comfort.

Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood said: “The Thames Valley is one of the most popular rail corridors in the UK.

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“We have promised the current fleet would be upgraded to provide much needed additional capacity and faster journey times.”

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"The introduction of Great Western Railway’s first new Class 387 trains built by Bombardier in Derby is a great example of our investment."

Equipped with at-seat power sockets, air-conditioning, extra luggage space and free Wi-Fi, the new trains can be run in four, eight and 12 carriage formations.

GWR said that the 12-car Electrostar formation would provide 97 more seats than its longest diesel multiple unit (DMU) service.

UK Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: “The introduction of Great Western Railway’s first new Class 387 trains built by Bombardier in Derby is a great example of our investment.

“It will offer more seats, greater comfort and better reliability for passengers.”

In July, GWR finalised a deal with train manufacturer Bombardier and leasing company Porterbrook for 37 Class 387 four-carriage trains, in addition to previously ordered eight train sets.

Image: GWR’s new electric passenger train. Photo: courtesy of First group plc.