On the 27th September 2019, Greater Anglia officially launched their new bi-mode trains on the route between Norwich and Cambridge.
The new state-of-the-art trains can run on diesel or electric and are now in service on one of the busiest routes on the network, with over 700,000 journeys last year.
Special VIP Guests from Norfolk and Cambridgeshire had a journey on the trains and a celebration took place at Cambridge station where the Greater Anglia MD and the Mayor of Cambridgeshire amongst others gave speeches.
The new bi-mode trains are also in service on other routes on the Greater Anglia network, Norwich to Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft to Cambridge. 38 bi-mode trains will be delivered from the Swiss manufacturer Stadler. The trains have sliding steps at each door to bridge the gap between the train and platform making access for wheelchairs and pushchairs much easier.
Have you traveled on the new trains? Let us know what you think of them in the comments below!
What did the officials say?
Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said:
“The Cambridge-Norwich route is one of our busiest regional routes, with increases in passenger numbers reflecting the growth of both cities.
“The line is busy with commuters going to work but also with students from the towns and villages served along the route going to school, college and university in Norwich and Cambridge.
“Our new trains are longer, with more seats, and facilities to help passengers make the most of their travel time such as plug and USB points and free fast wifi.
“These are intercity quality trains on a regional route – and appropriate for a line which travels between East Anglia's two biggest cities. Feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Martino Celeghini, project manager for Stadler, said:
“Following the introduction of new trains on routes between Norwich and Great Yarmouth as well as Lowestoft, we are pleased to see them being rolled out on the Cambridge line.
“With more trains steadily being brought in, Stadler is confident that passengers will appreciate their key features: comfort, style, ride quality and of course, the sliding step, which will dramatically improve travel for people with limited mobility.”
Mark Swindell, chief executive officer Rock Rail said:
“Rock Rail is delighted to see these world-class trains enter service on the major Cambridge-Norwich route and receive such positive feedback from passengers.
“The long term, highly competitive funding from our pension fund and insurance company partners enables greatly enhanced value for money to passengers over the life of the trains along with significant improvements in the travel experiences for people of East Anglia.”
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris said:
“It's exciting to see the launch of brand new trains on the Cambridge-Norwich line, bringing tangible benefits including improved Wi-Fi and better accessibility to a huge number of passengers.
“Our priority is delivering a truly passenger-focused railway that sees our trains running on time. A transformation for rail users in East Anglia is firmly underway, with greener, cleaner journeys and a more comfortable and reliable service for those who use the line regularly.”
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Greater Anglia should start introducing the 3-Car and 4-Car Class 755 Bi-mode Flirts to be used on the Ipswich-Cambridge, Peterborough and Bury St. Edmunds local services, Ipswich-Felixstowe and Lowestoft East Suffolk Lines routes, Norwich-Sheringham and Marks Tey-Sudbury local services before the end of 2019. And to introduce a new Norwich-Stansted Airport service with using the Class 755s.
As well as introducing the 12-Car Class 745s in service to replace the Class 90 Mk3 on the London Liverpool Street-Norwich Intercity service and London Liverpool St-Stansted Airport (Stansted Express) service and to replace the Class 379 Electrostars used on that route but to be retained on other services if Greater Anglia were to keep the Class 379s.