Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler has delivered the first bi-mode train to UK train operating company Greater Anglia.
The train was delivered to Norwich by a locomotive where it will undergo testing before commencing operations across the regional lines of the Greater Anglia network.
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Stadler is scheduled to deliver 38 bi-mode trains, which can operate on diesel and electric power. Of the total fleet, 24 will be four-carriage trains and 14 will have three carriages.
The acquisition of these trains is financed by Rock Rail East Anglia, a joint venture between Rock Rail, Aberdeen Standard Investments and GLIL Infrastructure.
Greater Anglia Franchising and Programmes director Ian McConnell said: “Over the next few weeks, we’ll be taking delivery of more of these trains so customers will see them around and about our stations.
“I’m afraid they’re not in service yet, we need to carry out lots of tests to make sure they complete all of our standards for safety and performance before passengers can use them.”
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By GlobalDataThe bi-mode train has already completed a series of testing programmes in Europe including testing of brakes, noise levels, emissions and operational safety.
Over the following months, the train’s pantograph, passenger information system and automatic selective door opening system will be tested.
Test runs will also be carried out on the routes across Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
Stadler UK sales director Ralf Warwel said: “These new trains, all of which are FLIRTs, one of Stadler’s most popular and versatile products. They rely on state-of-the-art, environmentally-friendly technology and feature low floor and level boarding, vastly improving the customer experience.”
The trains are expected to enter into commercial service in May.
Greater Anglia is also procuring 111 electric trains from Bombardier. All these trains are scheduled to enter service by the end of 2020.
