Vivarail has announced that their new trains for London Northwestern Railway have been delayed.
The Class 230 trains will be used for the Marston Vale Line.
Both Vivarail and London Northwestern Railway have worked tirelessly to bring the new trains to the line for the December timetable change, but unfortunately, they won't be ready in time.
Due to technical issues with the first train, the trains will not be ready in time.
Vivarail remains confident that the full fleet will be ready for service in the New Year and thanks to London Northwestern Railway for their patience.
The train manufacturer has taken full responsibility for the delay.
London Northwestern Railway has said that train services will continue to run on the Marston Vale Line, just using the existing rolling stock.
What did the officials say?
Jonny Wiseman, head of stations for London Northwestern Railway, said:
“We were disappointed to learn, from Vivarail, that the class 230 trains for the Marston Vale Line will not be ready for the December 2018 timetable change. We want to reassure passengers that we will continue to run the Bedford – Bletchley service with existing trains until the Vivarail units are available.
“The class 230 programme is an innovative scheme that will deliver many benefits to local rail users. We will continue to support Vivarail in bringing this new concept to the Marston Vale Line.”
Adrian Shooter, CEO of Vivarail, said,
“My experience in the rail industry means I am fully aware of the problems that can occur when introducing new trains and that one unforeseen event can easily overturn months or even years of planning. That is the case here and at Vivarail we hold our hands up to that fact. However, I am confident that my team will deliver the finished trains with a minimal delay and allow London Northwestern Railway to bring them into service soon. I know that there is a great deal of anticipation to see the Class 230s in service and I am confident that the short wait will be worth it.”
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Yesterday Tue Nov 6 I saw a Diesel Loco hauling a number of what appeared to be Underground Coaches colour white. Diesel was multi coloured heading from London to wards Didcot. Location was Scours Lane Bridge in Reading approx 11.30. Checked with real time trains Ilford to Newport Reading 11.36 diesel with empty NPCCS, would these have been the Vivarail train going to Wales for a trial/test run
Sad that LNWR won’t allow the Class 230s to enter service on the Marston Vale Line in December until the 2 Class 230s have been built and transferred from its manufacturing facility in Long Marston, Warwickshire to its new home at Bletchley, Buckinghamshire on the West Coast Main Line or at Bedford, Bedfordshire. As it will operate between Bletchley and Bedford. Which could possibly be introduced from early on next year.