Following the unveiling of Chiltern’s new trains last October, on Monday, the 26th of January, the first MK5a coaches officially entered front-line passenger service with Chiltern Railways.
To mark the occasion, special events were held at the major stations between Birmingham Moor Street and London Marylebone on Tuesday, 27th January.
Passengers were greeted with live music, and goody bags were handed out to commemorate the launch of the first of 13 “Chiltern Explorer” sets into service.
The name “Chiltern Explorer” was selected by customers from a public shortlist. The name will be applied to the coaches and class 68 diesels. The name will also be used in station announcements before the arrival and departure of trains.
Local leaders and business leaders turned out to witness events and to see how these trains will improve connectivity into and out of the West Midlands.
Featuring comfortable seating, enhanced Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, air conditioning, more luggage and bike storage, accessible toilets and wider seating areas for those with wheelchairs, the new trains will be a welcome sight for regular passengers on long-distance services on the Chiltern mainline.
These trains are replacing the MK3 stock, which has been in service for almost half a century since their construction in the British Rail era in the late 70s and early 80s. The last of the MK3 sets will be withdrawn from service by the start of April. All 13 ‘Chiltern Explorer’ trains will be phased in during the year.
“The arrival of the first Chiltern Explorer is a major milestone in delivering a more modern, accessible and reliable railway.
These new trains will transform journeys for customers from the West Midlands through to London, strengthening connections for work, leisure and the region’s growing economy.
They also demonstrate the kind of long‑term, customer‑focused investment we are working to embed by building a simpler, more joined‑up rail system that delivers for communities.
Crucially, the fleet’s improved efficiency and design support our wider sustainability goals, helping create a greener railway for the future.”
Laura Shoaf CBE, Chair of Shadow Great British Railways
Responses
It’s nice to see them in service that are to operate from London Marylebone to Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street. And to replace the Mk3 stocks. Transpennine Express used to have the Class 68 Mk5As and were called Nova 3.
Perhaps the live music was playing to cover up the horrendous noise of the Class 68 locomotives.