New trains have been introduced on the rail route connecting Northampton, Milton Keynes and London.
Operator London Northwestern Railway (LNWR) has launched a fleet of 36 new trains. The class 730/2 rolling stock is comprised of 5 carriages, which the operator says brings an overall 20% increase in capacity over existing Class 350 trains on routes to and from Euston.
The trains also feature open gangways, charging point at all seats, tables, underfloor heating, luggage racks and a new air-conditioning system.
Designed and bult in the UK by Alstom at its Derby factory, the fleet will initially be rolled out between Northampton and London Euston, calling at busy stations including Milton Keynes Central, Tring and Watford Junction.
Later in 2025, the trains will also enter service on the Trent Valley line between Crewe and Euston, calling at stations including Lichfield Trent Valley, Nuneaton and Rugby.
The first Class 730/2 in passenger service was run yesterday (09/06), with two 730 units forming up an afternoon service from London Euston to Northampton. The fleet’s entry into service follows a grand launch event at Euston on Friday 6 June.
Ian McConnell, LNR managing director, said, “Our fantastic Class 730/2 fleet is the cornerstone of our £1billion investment into the railway. These trains will make a real difference, bringing more capacity and modern features to the millions of commuters and leisure travellers who use our services to and from London each year.
“We are excited to bring these new electric trains onto our network from today, with the whole fleet expected to be rolled out by the end of 2026. I am certain they will prove a hit with our customers.”
Dominic Booth, chief executive officer of LNR’s parent company Transport UK, added, “We’re proud that as part of our £1billion transformation investment, London Northwestern Railway is introducing a whole new fleet of British-made Class 730 trains.
“These state-of-the-art electric trains will enhance our customers’ experience and significantly increase overall capacity, allowing us to serve more passengers across the West Coast Main Line and at London Euston.”
Rob Whyte, Alstom’s UK and Ireland managing director, also commented, “We are all incredibly proud to see the Class 730/2 fleet – designed and built right here in the UK at our Derby facility – enter service. These state-of-the-art trains represent a major step forward in sustainable, high-capacity rail travel and are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams.
“This milestone reinforces Alstom’s commitment to delivering innovation that transforms the passenger experience and supports the future of British rail.”
The trains will primarily be maintained at LNR’s traction maintenance depot in Bletchley, which has undergone £80million in upgrade work to accommodate them.