On Saturday 16th July, Greater Anglia's Class 317 electric commuter trains are due to carry out their last scheduled trips on the network.
The Class 317 trains have run on the West Anglia route for over 30 years. The route which runs between Cambridge, Hertford East, and London Liverpool Street is being replaced with state-of-the-art longer trains.
To allow rail enthusiasts to take a final trip on them, a pair of Class 317 trains are scheduled to run between Hertford East and London Liverpool Street.
The trains are timetabled below:
London Liverpool Street to Hertford East – 06:12, 08:12, 10:12, 12:12, 14:12, 16:12, 18:12, 20:12, 22:12
Hertford East to London Liverpool Street – 07:09, 09:09, 11:09, 13:09, 15:09, 17:09, 19:09, 21:09, 23:09
The Class 317 trains are to be replaced by Class 720 electric train which were built by Alstom. The trains will provide more seats along with air conditioning, plug and USB points, wifi and other improved passenger features.
Jonathan Denby, Greater Anglia's Head of Corporate Affairs said: “We're close to reaching another milestone in the roll out of our new train fleet, with the upcoming withdrawal from service of the Class 317 trains.
“We're pleased to provide a chance for those wishing to bid farewell to these trains, which have served West Anglia passengers well for over 30 years, to take a final trip on them this Saturday.”
The Class 317 have served the Great Northern, West Anglia and Lee Valley Lines for over 30 years and now they are replaced by the Class 710 and Class 720.
Rest in Peace Class 317. 1981-2022.
I do hope at least one, two or perhaps three of these unique class 317 units could be potentially preserved.
Shame they didn’t do the same for the Class 90’s and Mk3s.