GB Railfreight has used a Class 319 train during a successful trial of former commuter trains for express parcel delivery services.
A service was run into London Euston earlier this month using the 100mph Class 319 EMUs, which were used by London Midland / LNWR to provide passenger services.
The trial showed the trains could successfully be loaded and offloaded with standard roll cages at most mainline stations across the UK. Additionally, the test showed that, with the seats removed, the carriages could carry a significant volume of parcels.
This is the first time that a successful trial of using a converted commuter train has been undertaken in the UK.
GBRf is now in discussion with the government over how this service could help hospitals during the current pandemic crisis.
The railway network used to be extensively used for parcel deliveries between stations, however, apart from Royal Mail trains using specially designed Class 325 EMUs, parcel trains disappeared decades ago.
What did the officials say?
John Smith, Managing Director of GB Railfreight, said:
“We are committed to continuing to help the UK get through this period by ensuring that vital supplies are delivered. Rail freight has the advantage in being able to efficiently move very large volumes of goods in a safe and reliable way.
“This successful trial shows how the railways can play their role in helping the speedy delivery of vital supplies and we are keen to be able to do our bit to help the NHS meet the logistical challenge of keeping our hospitals supplied during this period of huge demand.
“Post-crisis these services could play a role in reducing air pollution and carbon emissions associated with parcel deliveries. With deliveries being brought into the heart of cities by train overnight and last mile deliveries then undertaken by electric powered vehicles.”
Where Next?
RailAdvent Plus
Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
Framed Prints, DVD's / Blu-Ray's and more
LocoStop Community
Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline Steam Info
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
GB Railfreight
Visit their website
10 ex London Bedford unit were converted for paper train around Manchester in àbout 1985
The Rail Parcel service was allowed to die through lack of interest years ago, and a re-invention waiting to happen since. SNCF converted some old TGV sets to set up overnight express parcel services that trounced road haulage, and that was pre-Amazon. I hope GBRf succeed, but we are so road-biased in the UK it might be a struggle.
Some people either have short memories, have not done their research, or most likely just want to make a HEADLINE for the ignorant national press to pick up on!
Either way, GBRF is to be commended in promoting this initiative. There must be an alternative to the constant night-time procession of parcel Lorries on our motorways.
The article states “This is the first time that a successful trial of using a converted commuter train has been undertaken in the UK.” .
302/9 , the 122 bubble cars and a number of metrocam units were converted for royal mail use with sliding side roller shutter doors and seats stripped. This is not the first , it’s reinventing the wheel.
The Class 319s could be ideal for a fast parcel service. Rather than scrapping them. And perhaps GB Railfreight could use the Class 769s as well. And they could even inherit some of the Class 321s from Greater Anglia to work alongside with the Class 319s. Brilliant idea from GB Railfreight.