Southeastern unveiled a City Beam train named in honour of late MP James Brokenshire at a small ceremony on the 31st January 2022
James Brokenshire was the former MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup and sadly died of lung cancer aged 53 in October 2021.
James was a transport fan from a very young age and as an MP a keen campaigner for rail service improvements, especially of new and up-to-date trains that would benefit his constituents.
The new City Beam Class 707 trains are made by Siemens, who joined Southeastern and James's family and colleagues, including Rail Minister Wendy Morton MP for the small ceremony.
Wendy Morton, the Rail Minister, said:
“It is a privilege to be a part of the unveiling of Southeastern's new City Beam train, named in honour of the late James Brokenshire.”
“James worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his constituents and was a keen campaigner for improvements to local rail services. This new CityBeam train was one that James campaigned for on the Southeastern route. Today's ceremony pays tribute to him and his years of committed hard work.”
Steve White, Managing Director for Southeastern, said:
“We're proud to mark the positive contribution made by James Brokenshire over many years, representing thousands of people in the Bexley and Sidcup constituency.”
“He was dedicated to working with us and was our biggest advocate in campaigning for new trains and improved train services on the Southeastern network.”
“In 2019 James was one of the MPs on our network who made representations to the Secretary of State to secure new rolling stock and now customers will be reminded of the contribution James made when they see this modern train arriving at their station”.
“We have named our new CityBeam unit, 707005, in his honour – selecting this particular train to reflect the year he was first elected to represent the constituency of Hornchurch in 2005”.
Sambit Banerjee, Managing Director, Rolling Stock and Customer Services, Siemens Mobility, said:
“This new train on the Southeastern route is best in class, and an example of the improved rail experience that James Brokenshire wanted for the constituents he served so well. As a company manufacturing trains for clients across the UK, we deal with many customers and campaigners, and James stood out among them for his dedication and talent. He is much missed. We hope this train will trigger fond memories of him as it pulls into stations on the Southeastern route – and past his home in Bexley.”
First introduced by Southeastern in Autumn 2021, the Class 707 trains and run on the Hayes line and routes through both Bexley and Sidcup, and with a train now named in James's honour, brings a fitting tribute to the well-loved MP.
Very nice Southeastern. Perhaps Southeastern should inherit the rest of the Class 707s from South Western Railway so that they can use the Class 707 “City Beam” on London Charing Cross & Cannon Street to Hayes via Ladywell, Dartford Loop, Orpington, Crayford loop and Sevenoaks services. With the SWR Class 701 “Arterios” due to enter service some time in Spring or late this year.
How can this model be the “Best in Class” when it lacks passenger toilets?